Atlanta Falcons Beat Writer D. Orlando Ledbetter Recaps Sarkisian to Atlanta [Audio]

In the days after their overtime loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, the Atlanta Falcons saw offensive coordinator Kyle Shanhan accept an offer to become the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers.

Tuesday, Atlanta announced that former Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian would succeed Shanahan as the team’s offensive coordinator.

During his appearance on The Gary Harris Show, Atlanta Falcons beat writer for the Atlanta Journal Constitution D. Orlando Ledbetter analyzed Sarkisian’s move to the Atlanta Falcons as offensive coordinator.

Ledbetter first touched on Falcons head coach Dan Quinn’s contingency plans for a possible vacancy at offensive coordinator and his connections to Sarkisian.

“Coach (Dan) Quinn felt he had to have a backup plan knowing that Kyle might be gone either this year or the next. He knew Steve through Coach (Nick) Saban and Coach (Pete) Carroll.” Ledbetter said.

The veteran Atlanta Falcons beat writer then discussed the primary reason for Sarkisian landing in Atlanta.

“The big factor was that they would not have to change their offensive plan of attack or terminology that they used last season to help them get to the Super Bowl.” Ledbetter stated.

Ledbetter would go on to elaborate on the Quinn-Sarkisian relationship, Sarkisian’s past issues during his coaching career and discuss the aftermath of Atlanta’s loss in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Catch The Gary Harris Show every weekday from 9-11 AM on Tide 102.9/100.9 and the radioPup app.