When Alabama hired Steve Sarkisian as an offensive analyst in September, many assumed it was to have the former Southern Cal coach on staff to get familiar with the team and be prepared for a future internal promotion. A new report says that Sarkisian might not get that promotion.

What I've been told with Kiffin to Houston to watch for is that Sarkisian to LSU is now in play. Slim to no chance Sark is next OC at Bama. — Mattie-Lou Chandler (@MattieLouOKTC) December 8, 2016

Conflicting reports have emerged Thursday as to whether Houston has decided to name Kiffin as its new head coach. If Kiffin becomes the Cougars new head coach, that creates an opening on the Crimson Tide staff at offensive coordinator. It also means that LSU misses out on its No. 1 target for offensive coordinator.

Tigers coach Ed Orgeron and Sarkisian were both on Pete Carrol’s staff at Southern Cal from 2001-03. If Orgeron were to offer Sarkisian the offensive coordinator position, it would show that the LSU coach doesn’t have any bad blood over USC choosing Sarkisian as its next head coach after Orgeron led the Trojans to a 6-2 as the interim in 2013.

In October 2015, the middle of his second season with USC, Sarkisian took a leave of absence and was fired for issues related to his alcoholism. He joined Alabama’s staff this season.