Should Alabama fans be concerned about the offense heading into the national championship game against Clemson? According to one of the game’s most knowledge analysts, who knows all about leading the Tide to a national title, the answer should be yes.

Immediately following the news that offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin would be leaving the program effective immediately, former Alabama quarterback and ESPN college football analyst Greg McElroy was asked his opinion of the move during a live segment of ESPN’s Championship Drive show.

Here’s what McElroy had to say:

“It’s significant,” McElroy said. “I think it’s a huge deal considering Jalen Hurts development, he’s only heard one voice (at Alabama), and that voice is Lane Kiffin. I know that Steve Sarkisian has been there and been a part of the program, but he hasn’t called plays on gameday when the bullets are flying. The only voice (Hurts) has listened to and been called down by is Lane Kiffin.

“Obviously, it makes sense that Nick Saban is as focused and intense of an individual as we’ve ever come across, and if the singular focus of the team isn’t on the task at hand – and that’s winning a national championship – he feels it’s better to cut bait. Lane Kiffin might be better served moving forward and focusing solely on his job at FAU while they focus on the trip to Tampa and beating the Clemson Tigers.”

Considering Hurts’ performance has been shaky of late – the true freshman threw for only 57 yards after completing seven of 14 passes against Washington, threw for 138 yards against Florida in the SEC title game, threw two interceptions against Auburn and has failed to rush for more than 50 yards in any of his last three games – it will be interesting to see how the move impacts Alabama’s young quarterback.

McElroy cautions that the move could work against him as he prepares to play on the biggest stage of his life in one week.