Nick Saban comments on first practices with Steve Sarkisian as OC

Alabama’s announcement that Steve Sarkisian would be taking over as offensive coordinator rocked the college football world on Monday.

On Wednesday, Nick Saban met with the media and discussed how the first practices with Sarkisian, who has been on the staff this season as an analyst, as the offensive coordinator.

Saban on players responding to Sark: Very well. Practices have been upbeat. The energy level has been really good.

— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) January 5, 2017

Saban said the players have responded "really well" to the change at offensive coordinator. "It's been excellent"

— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 5, 2017

Saban on Sarkisian: He's been with us all year. Knows the system inside and out. I have to make decisions to give our players chance to win.

— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) January 5, 2017

Saban says Sarkisian knows the offense inside and out but… "We made the decision and we're not talking about it anymore."

— John Zenor (@jzenor) January 5, 2017

AL.com’s Michael Casagrande observed as practice that Sarkisian is still getting used to the way Alabama practices are run:

It was interesting to watch new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Not only is he getting ready to call his first game with the Tide, he’s adjusting to the heavily choreographed practice routine. He was looking a lot at the script and running some new drills. A manager had to be instructed on where to stand to catch the passes in one of the media viewing periods.

Saban also told reporters that the Crimson Tide will only go full pads for two days to cut down on the physical toll prior to Monday’s game.