NFL Trade Rumors
Christian Sarkisian spent the last seven years as a Bengals’ scout before becoming Northwestern University’s general manager for athletics.
“I feel extremely grateful for my time in Cincinnati. I don’t think that there was a better situation for a young scout to learn from in terms of growth,” said Sarkisian, via Geoff Hobson of the team’s site. “You’re with the ownership family every day that you’re in the office, and their only focus is how to win games and be the best at winning games that they can be from top to bottom. I had a lot of really unique exposures, just because of the way that Duke and the family have decided to structure the personnel department. The great thing about that structure is you have your hands involved in so much. You can see how everything works in conjunction. You can see the importance of communication, and leadership, and operating with a clear plan and being as organized as possible.”
Bengals president Mike Brown called Sarkisian an “invaluable member” of the organization.
“Christian has been an invaluable member of the Bengals organization since he joined the team seven years ago,” Brown said. “He is bright and hard-working, but most importantly, he is a good person. He deserves this opportunity. Northwestern made a smart move in hiring him.”
Northwestern director of football performance Alex Spanos thinks Sarkisian will make an instant impact at the school.
“He’s hit the ground hot. That’s the type of person he is,” Spanos said. “He’s not trying just to get his feet wet. He’s got boots on the ground. He’s not walking, he’s sprinting. In my office. In meetings. In the weight room. Forming relationships right away. He comes from an incredible organization where they have some of the best prospects in the world. I’m fired up to see what he’ll bring from them.”
