SEATTLE -- Former University of Washington Huskies head coach Steve Sarkisian has been hired as offensive coordinator of the NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons, Sarkisian replaces Kyle Shanahan, who just became the San Francisco 49ers' new head coach.
This will be Sarkisian's second coaching stint in the NFL. He was the Oakland Raiders' quarterbacks coach in 2004.
Sarkisian was head coach of the Huskies from 2009-2013 before taking the same job at USC. He was fired by the Trojans in the middle of his second season.
Sarkisian took over as Alabama's offensive coordinator in the national championship game, but his tenure with the Crimson Tide stunningly lasted only one contest. He was named offensive coordinator after Lane Kiffin left to become the head coach at Florida Atlantic University.
Sarkisian will return to Seattle next season when the Seahawks host the Falcons.
The 42-year-old Sarkisian takes over the NFL's scoring offense led by MVP quarterback Matt Ryan, All-Pro receiver Julio Jones and 1,000-yard rusher Devonta Freeman.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
