Former Oregon Football Coach Mike Bellotti Profiles Alabama OC Steve Sarkisian [Audio]

Friday evening, the University of Alabama football program announced former Washington and USC head coach Steve Sarkisian as the Crimson Tide’s new offensive coordinator.

Sarkisian will succeed Lane Kiffin who accepted the head coaching position at Florida Atlantic.

Prior to the announcement of Sarkisian as Alabama’s new offensive coordinator, former Oregon football coach and athletic director Mike Bellotti analyzed the Washington Huskies and spotlighted Steve Sarkisian’s coaching ability during Friday’s edition of The Game with Ryan Fowler.

The former Oregon football coach offered his thoughts relative to the similarities in philosophy between Kiffin and Sarkisian.

“I like Sark (Steve Sarkisian) as an offensive mind. I think he does a good job. I think that both he and Lane Kiffin are very similar somewhat in their offensive philosophies.” Bellotti said.

Bellotti highlighted a wrinkle in Sarkisian’s play calling that differentiates him from Kiffin.

“Sarkisian has a little bit more of the combination power football, that running attack that they use to run at SC (Southern California) and still favor initially at Alabama.” Bellotti stated.

In the hours prior to Saban’s announcement of Sarkisian as Alabama’s offensive coordinator position, Bellotti gave his insight about Saban’s thought process in selecting his offensive coordinator pick.

“I think it’s more in Nick Saban’s mind about where I want to go with this team, and what’s going to fit the personnel I have and who I really trust turning that offense over to.” Bellotti said.

While Saban has been credited with adapting to the changing nature of offenses in college football, the former Oregon football coach detailed the difficulty and importance of adapting your philosophy as a coach to the trends happening in college football.

“I don’t think it’s that difficult. In fact, I think it’s absolutely necessary and paramount if you want to be successful. You’ve got to find a way to put your players in a position to have success, and you also have to recognize what’s happening in the world around you with defenses and what they’re trying to do.” Bellotti said.

The Game with Ryan Fowler airs every weekday from 2-6 PM on Tide 102.9/100.9 and the radioPup app.