Lane Kiffin isn't sticking around to run Alabama's offense in the national championship game, bringing an end to a successful but sometimes tense three-year pairing with Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban.
Saban said Monday that Kiffin will leave to focus on his new job as Florida Atlantic's head coach. Incoming offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will replace him for the Jan. 9 game against Clemson in Tampa.
Kiffin and Saban said they made the decision after meetings following the Peach Bowl win over Washington.
“We appreciate all that Lane has done for our football program over the last three years,” Saban said.