Steve Sarkisian is taking his sudden big step up at Alabama in stride

Though Steve Sarkisian said he never envisioned calling plays in the national championship game Monday as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, he was certain he would one day return to the sidelines after drinking problems cost him his head coaching position at USC.

“In the coaching world, I’m still young,” said the 42-year-old Sarkisian said Saturday.

Sarkisian was promoted from his role as offensive analyst after a Peach Bowl victory over Washington when Alabama suddenly parted ways with Lane Kiffin. Another former USC head coach, Kiffin was expected to remain Alabama’s offensive coordinator through the College Football Playoff title game before leaving to become coach at Florida Atlantic.

Sarkisian declined to offer details about his recovery from his problems, but Alabama Coach Nick Saban said Sarkisian remains in treatment.

Asked what made him comfortable in expanding Sarkisian’s responsibilities, Saban replied, “He was with us all season long. We didn’t see any problems or anything. And his contribution was very positive, his personality was very positive, his organizational skills are very positive, he’s a very good teacher. So there were a lot of positive things that he contributed over the course of the season that made us feel comfortable making him a part of the organization.”

The opportunity to join Saban’s staff presented itself over the summer. Without any coaching obligations, Sarkisian visited several teams “to see how other people did things.” His stops included the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, the University of Florida, as well as Alabama.

“Had a great visit with Lane and with Coach Saban,” Sarkisian said. “The talks were in play after that.”

As an analyst, Sarkisian was not allowed to deal with players directly in practices or games.

“You still get to work on the game plan side of things, you still get to work with the coaches on giving suggestions and tips when we’re watching the tape, but it is frustrating as an analyst when you go out to practice and you’re not coaching,” he said. “That’s what you love to do.”

Considering Sarkisian has been around the program the entire season, he didn’t anticipate any problems adapting to his new role.

Sarkisian didn’t offer any thoughts on the abrupt and unexpected departure of Kiffin, who made some disparaging remarks about Alabama in the week leading up to his exit. Kiffin and Saban have described the parting as a mutual decision that would allow Kiffin to focus on his new job.

“I didn’t really have time to analyze the feelings of everybody and the situation of it,” Sarkisian said.

dylan.hernandez@latimes.com

Twitter: dylanohernandez