The players were first, but now the Alabama coaches are involved in award season.
Steve Sarkisian, the Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator, has coached the most explosive group in college football to an undefeated season through nine games. In his second year on Nick Saban’s staff, the 46-year-old has been selected as a semifinalist for the Broyles Award — which is presented to the top assistant coach in the nation.
On Tuesday, the announcement came from the Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation.
Sarkisian has Alabama averaging 49.2 points per game; the most of the Saban era.
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Also, the output ranks first in the Southeastern Conference and third in the nation. He’s guided the Tide to 548.3 total yards offensively per matchup, placing it second in the SEC and fourth in the nation. Even with the explosive plays, the balance Sarkisian has caused the Tide to achieve is more impressive. For the first time since 2015 under Lane Kiffin, Alabama has a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard receiver at its disposal. The play calling of Sarkisian propelled Mac Jones to be the program’s fifth 3,000-yard quarterback (3,113) of the Saban era. Najee Harris chimes in with his second straight 1,000-yard (1,038) rushing campaign and leads the NCAA in rushing touchdowns (20), while DeVonta Smith is enjoying being the primary target in Sarkisian’s design. The senior totals 1,305 yards receiving on 80 catches with 15 touchdown receptions.
Sarkisian has four receiving options with at least 20 catches, and has positioned the trio of Jones, Harris and Smith as semifinalists for multiple national awards. He also has the three in serious consideration to represent Alabama football for the Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation.
Under his leadership, the Tide has scored at least 40 points in eight straight games. Since the award was first presented in 1996, 18 of 23 assistant coaches that won the Broyles Award have went on to become head coaches.
Kirby Smart (2009) and Michael Locksley (2018) both were recipients of the honor at Alabama.
Smart would later be hired at the University of Georgia in 2016, while Locklsey was named head coach at Maryland on Dec. 4, 2018.
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Sarkisian could be the third assistant to win from Saban’s staff. He is considered the “coach in waiting” to take over at Alabama upon Saban retiring.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
