Saban dumps Kiffin for title game vs. Clemson

Alabama coach Nick Saban decided to go with his new offensive coordinator for the College Football Playoff title game, announcing Lane Kiffin will not be coaching the offense when the Crimson Tide face Clemson next Monday night.

Kiffin who accepted the head-coaching job at Florida Atlantic University last month, was expected to continue at Alabama through the playoff run after Saturday?s 24-7 win over Washington in the Peach Bowl semifinal game.

Steve Sarkisian, who already had been named Kiffin?s successor, will immediately take over play-calling responsibilities for the championship game.

?We made the decision because it was in the best interest of our players, our program and for Lane for him to assume his duties at Florida Atlantic,? Alabama coach Nick Saban told ESPN on Monday. ?We mutually agreed that this was best for both programs.?

Kiffin was late to several events in the past week leading up to the Peach Bowl and some Alabama staff members said they ?were done with him,? sources told ESPN?s Brett McMurphy.