Outside of Nick Saban’s staff, few people have better insight into Alabama’s situation on offense than USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin.

Martin, the former Tennessee quarterback, was hired by Kiffin at USC in 2012 to coach wide receivers. After Kiffin was fired in 2013, Sarkisian, Kiffin’s successor, promoted Martin to passing game coordinator for the 2014 and ’15 seasons. He now holds the title of offensive coordinator under Sarkisian’s successor, Clay Helton. Southern Cal opened its season against Alabama in Dallas on Sept. 3.

Having worked for both Kiffin and Sarkisian, Martin is expertly qualified to compare the play-caller who led Alabama to a 14-0 season and the one who will be calling Monday’s national championship game against Clemson.

“They are both aggressive,” Martin told The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5 in Mobile, Ala. “They are different in terms of when and play selection when they are aggressive.

“If Sark wants to take a shot – and he likes it – he’ll do it more than one time. If it’s a trick play and it’s something he believes in, then he’s going to punch the button. You like that in a play-caller.”

Martin thinks Alabama QB Jalen Hurts is an ideal fit for Sarkisian’s approach.

“Jalen is the type of quarterback Steve loves,” Martin said. “A dual-threat-type player that can run and throw it and very smart.”

While it’s unprecedented and unconventional to make such a big change a week before the national championship game, Martin believes the Crimson Tide will be fine.

“Both are great coaches, and both have great minds,” Martin said. “Steve’s a motivator. He’s very high energy and very creative. I don’t think Alabama fans should have anything to worry about.”

[H/T: AL.com]