The Atlanta Falcons have hired Steve Sarkisian as their new offensive coordinator.

Sarkisian brings 17 years of coaching experience – one year in the NFL – to Atlanta, including being an offensive analyst and the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for the University of Alabama in the 2017 National Championship game.

During his first year as the head coach at Southern California, Sarkisian's offense averaged 457.6 total yards, including 161.0 rushing yards per game. During the 2014 season, his quarterback, Cody Kessler, had one of the most efficient passing seasons in USC history, throwing for 39 touchdowns and completing 69.7-percent of his passes, while only throwing five interceptions. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor had 104 receptions that season, which was the third-best reception mark in school history. Javorius Allen rushed for 1,489 yards - the most by a Trojan since 2005. That season, USC's offense ranked in the Top 25 nationally in passing efficiency, passing offense, third down conversions and scoring offense.

Before heading to Los Angeles to coach the Trojans, Sarkisian spent five years as the head coach for the University of Washington (2009-13). In 2013, Washington's offense set school records and was in the top 20 in total offense, rushing offense, pass efficiency and scoring offense. He also coached current Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant during his time as a Huskie.

Sarkisian started his career as the quarterbacks coach for El Camino Community College, before moving onto USC in 2001 where he served as the offensive assistant, then rejoined the team in March of 2002 to become the quarterbacks coach (2002-03, 2005-06). At USC, he coached Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. He was promoted to offensive coordinator/assistant head coach in 2007 and the Trojans went 23-3 during his time in that position (2007-08).

His lone year in the NFL was spent with the Oakland Raiders in 2004, where he was the quarterbacks coach. During that season, his quarterbacks (Kerry Collins – 3,495 yards; Rich Gannon – 524 yards) passed for more than 4,000 yards, as Oakland ranked eighth in passing in the NFL.

Sarkisian starred at the quarterback position at the prep, collegiate and pro levels. He was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League for three seasons (1997-99). He started in 1999 and threw 16 touchdowns. He had a record-setting two-year (1995-96) career at BYU, completing 66.6-percent of his passes for 7,755 yards and 55 touchdowns during his stay there. His 162.0 career passing efficiency rating was third on the all-time NCAA list.

Sarkisian earned his bachelor's degree in sociology from BYU in 1997 after getting his associate's degree in general studies from El Camino in 1994. He was born March 8, 1974. He has two daughters, Ashley and Taylor, and a son, Brady.