TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on during the second half of the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium on January 9, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NFL

Rival NFL coach played role in Steve Sarkisian going to Atlanta

Pete Carroll played a role in Steve Sarkisian's hiring with the Atlanta Falcons.

By |

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn and new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian have never worked together before, but they have both previously worked for Pete Carroll.

Videos by FanBuzz

Related: Apparently you weren't the only one shocked by Steve Sarkisian's move on Tuesday 

Fox Sports columnist Bruce Feldman tweeted that the influence of Pete Carroll was one of the biggest reasons Quinn felt comfortable hiring Sarkisian to replace former OC Kyle Shanahan.

Sarkisian was an assistant under Carroll at USC from 2001-03 and 2005-08. Quinn was an assistant under Carroll with the Seattle Seahawks in 2010 and then again in 2013 and 2014. This will be Sarkisian's first stint in the NFL since 2004, when he was the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders.

Alabama

Danny Kanell tells brutal truth on what working for Nick Saban has become

By

Alabama

Steve Sarkisian explains why he left Alabama for the Atlanta Falcons

By

NFL

NFL head coach Pete Carroll reportedly admitted the one coaching job he always wanted

By

NFL

Report: Seattle could be aiming to steal away a top coordinator from a Super Bowl contender

By