Atlanta snags Sarkisian to replace Shanahan
New coordinator just was promoted by Tide
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — After only one game as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, Steve Sarkisian is heading to the NFL.
To work with MVP quarterback Matt Ryan and the league’s highest-scoring offense, no less.
Less than 24 hours after Kyle Shanahan left to become head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, the Falcons announced Tuesday that Sarkisian would be his replacement.
The stunning move came with Sarkisian less than a month into what was to be his first full season running Alabama’s offense, a job he took over for the national championship game in place of Lane Kiffin. But Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he’s had his eye on Sarkisian since last spring, figuring it was only a matter of time before Shanahan moved on to a team of his own.
“I knew how good Kyle is,” Quinn said. “I wanted to make sure I had contingency plans in place.”
Sarkisian’s departure from Alabama in turn could create an opportunity there for former University of New Mexico head coach Mike Locksley. AL.com reported that Locksley, who already was on staff and in January was promoted from analyst to co-offensive coordinator.
AL.com called Locksley the “obvious pick” as Sarkisian’s replacement if continuity is a priority.
Quinn and Sarkisian have known each other since Sarkisian coached at Washington and Quinn was Seattle’s defensive coordinator. Sarkisian stopped by Atlanta last year to check out the Falcons’ offseason workouts, as well as training camp.
In addition to five years as Washington’s coach, the 42-year-old Sarkisian held the same job at Southern Cal. But he was fired by the Trojans during the 2015 season when officials said he showed up in no condition to lead practice following an embarrassing public display at a pep rally where he appeared to be intoxicated. He later sought treatment for alcoholism.
Quinn said he has no concerns about Sarkisian’s personal life.
“We went through the process, obviously, to check and make sure everything would align with our organization, in terms of cultures and values,” Quinn said. “He’s done a fantastic job. There were zero hesitations, zero limitations.”
BRADY’S JERSEY: Tom Brady and his missing jersey have still not been reunited.
The investigation, which is being led by the Houston police department’s Major Offenders division, has not turned up any leads on who swiped the jersey, Houston Police Executive Assistant Chief George Buenik said Tuesday.
The Texas Rangers, the state’s top law enforcement officers, are assisting in the investigation along with the NFL’s security department.
Brady’s jersey was taken from the New England Patriots’ locker room at Houston’s NRG Stadium after the team’s 34-28 victory over Atlanta in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
BRONCOS: New offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is glad he’s calling plays again, if not all the shots like he did in San Diego the past four years as head coach.
He also said he’s happy with the two QBs he has in Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemien and not yearning to obtain former Cowboys starter Tony Romo.
“I’m happy with the two guys we have,” McCoy said. “And that’s the focus right now is getting the two quarterbacks we have on our roster ready to play.”
BROWNS: Quarterback Josh McCown, 37, has been released by Cleveland.
McCown went 1-10 in starts over two seasons with the Browns, who cut him Tuesday before he was due a $750,000 roster bonus in March.
BILLS: First-year Buffalo coach Sean McDermott has hired Gill Byrd to oversee the team’s defensive backs He has 12 years of NFL coaching experience, and was a four-time All-Pro defensive back during a 10-year playing career with the San Diego Chargers (1983-92).