Lane Kiffin is out and Steve Sarkisian is in as Alabama's new offensive coordinator just seven days before the Crimson Tide is scheduled to play Clemson for the national championship.

Kiffin's exit comes less than 48 hours after he said he planned to remain with the team through the end of the season.

In the aftermath of the Crimson Tide's 24-7 victory over Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinal round on Saturday, Kiffin was asked specifically about his plans for the upcoming week, and whether he was going to devote any time to preparing for his new job as head coach at Florida Atlantic.

He paused a couple of times.

"Umm, umm," he said, "I will be back in Alabama."

"We do stay here tonight," he continued. "We leave in the morning.preparations last night and this morning, we mutually decided that it was in everyone's best interests for the players and the program for Coach Sarkisian to take over all responsibilities as offensive coordinator for the championship game.

"This was a very difficult decision, but it's a decision made in the best interests of the program. I look forward to helping Alabama win another championship, and would like to thank Coach Saban, the staff, and all the players and fans for the past three years at UA for an unforgettable time and championship run."