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Who Will Nick Saban Tab As Next Crimson Tide OC?
Who will be named Alabama's new offensive coordinator now that Steve Sarkisian has taken the role for the Atlanta Falcons? Mike Locksley, a hire from within, makes the most sense.
February 7, 2017
Alabama is losing yet another offensive coordinator, as Steve Sarkisian is moving to the NFL in order to oversee the offense of the Atlanta Falcons.
So where does Alabama go from here?
With the news that Steve Sarkisian is leaving Tuscaloosa to take over as the new offensive coordinator of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons – just one game into his role as Alabama’s OC – who will Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban tab as the next surveyor of his offense?
The obvious choice as we creep closer and closer to spring football is Mike Locksley, who was brought into town as an offensive analyst. The 47-year-old has served an assistant coach for several college programs and also served as head coach at New Mexico, where he was dismissed after compiling a 2-26 overall mark. Saban announced in mid-January that Locksley would be a full-time offensive assistant coach for 2017.
It makes sense that Saban, given the timing of Sarkisian’s departure, would turn to Locksley to take the reins of the offense. After all, the same happened to Sarkisian after he was brought in as an offensive analyst. Lane Kiffin, who was Alabama’s OC for the last few seasons, parlayed his success into the head gig at Florida Atlantic. After the Tide looked sluggish against Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinal win in the Peach Bowl, Saban elected to elevate Sarkisian to eliminate any potential distraction heading into the national title game against Clemson. Despite a strong showing, the Tide were unable to win their fifth national title in eight seasons, falling to the Tigers in the game’s closing seconds.
Locksley, who spent the 2016 season on the Crimson Tide’s staff as an offensive analyst, had a full season to become assimilated into the Alabama program and become familiar with The Process that Saban has instilled within the program. Hiring from within seems to be the obvious choice here.
The question remains, though: can Locksley further develop quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had a stellar true freshman campaign? And will yet another new voice affect the unit as a whole?
When Locksley served as Maryland’s offensive coordinator, the Terrapins were fairly balanced and effective, as the 2013 team recorded 5,000 total yards for only the fourth time in program history. When offensive coordinator at Illinois (2005-08), the Fighting Illini went from No. 72 nationally in total offense in 2005 to 19th following the 2008 season. The Illini also led the Big Ten in rushing in 2006 and 2007 before leading the league in passing in 2008.
Staff turnover is nothing new for successful programs, as ADs and coaches looking to turn things around always want to poach from winning teams. The Crimson Tide have now seen Kiffin, Sarkisian and Mario Cristobal all depart following their standout 2016 campaign. A big part of The Process is being able to have sustained success. That’s what Saban has been able to enjoy in Tuscaloosa. Promoting from within, which is what the Tide are likely going to do with Locksley, will once again test that theory in 2017.
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