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Alabama has promoted Mike Locksley to co-offensive coordinator, where he will work alongside Steve Sarkisian in leading the Crimson Tide.

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The Alabama offense was already in new hands during its loss to Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, with Steve Sarkisian filling in for the dismissed Lane Kiffin. Starting next season, Sarkisian will have some help.

The Crimson Tide have promoted Mike Locksley to co-offensive coordinator from his analyst position that he served this past season in Tuscaloosa, per Fox Sports.

Locksley, along with his offensive knowledge, is considered one of the top recruiters in the nation, an asset that head coach Nick Saban certainly didn’t want to lose. Florida and head coach Jim McElwain were interested in bring Locksley to Gainesville, but the coach ultimately decided to stay on Saban’s staff.

It will be interesting to see whether Locksley or Sarkisian will be in charge play-calling duties, or if they will share control. The Crimson Tide return a lot of talent, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, on an offense that was explosive under the guidance of Kiffin, putting up 455.3 yards per game.

Prior to joining the Alabama staff in 2016, Locksley served as the offensive coordinator at Illinois from 2005-08 then Maryland from 2012-15. He was the head coach at New Mexico from 2009-11, where he struggled to a 3-31 record in charge of the Lobos.

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