Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is the latest example of a coach coming to the Alabama staff under Nick Saban after they’ve had previous experience as a head coach or high-profile assistant to rebuild their career.

At a press conference to preview the national championship game with Ohio State, Sarkisian explained his perspective in that process, and how it helped him prepare for his new job at Texas.

“I think it’s a two-way street,” Sarkisian said. “Obviously, Coach Saban offers guys like myself an opportunity to come into his program, learn, develop as coaches. But I think it’s a two-way street in that when you come in a guy like myself, I think you need to come in understanding what your role is. I think you need to come in, I don’t want to necessarily call it humble, but I do think there’s a piece of humility that has to come into this. This is the greatest college football coach of all time. And recognize the space that you’re in, regardless of the fact that if you’d been a head coach for seven years. There’s been a variety of us who’ve come and gone through here. But he’s a tremendous mentor and if you allow yourself to be mentored, I think you gain even more out of this experience.”

Sarkisian recalled his different roles at Alabama, from being an analyst in 2016, to being the offensive coordinator the last two seasons. Coaching the players is a priority, but Sarkisian also said he tried to be a “sponge” with Saban and understand why he goes about what he does in terms of decisions, and take that education with you to a place like Texas.

About taking over for Lane Kiffin in 2016, Sarkisian said, “The experience was a unique one. I called the national championship game against Clemson. I think Lane is a tremendous OC, we worked well together in 2016, we still stay connected. I took things away from that have helped my career.”

Sarkisian explained that his main focus is on the national championship, and he is working on staffing and recruiting for Texas in his spare time.

“Quite honestly my week is a normal game week as if I hadn’t taken Texas job. My focus is on the game, prepping for the game,” he said. “My week has been as normal as it can be.”