The Trojans have their man. USC has hired current Washington Huskies coach, and former USC offensive co-ordinator, Steve Sarkisian as their new head football coach. Current interim head coach Ed Orgeron was so upset with the decision that he immediately resigned from his position, leaving the Trojans without a head coach for an upcoming holiday bowl game. It is expected that USC offensive coordinator Clay Helton will be the interim coach in the Trojans’ bowl game.
Sarkisian was an offensive co-ordinator under Pete Carroll and worked with Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart in his time at USC.
In 2009 Sarkisian took over a Washington team that was 0-12 the year prior. He returned the Huskies to respectability, leading them to a 34-29 record (24-21 Pac-12) in five seasons at the helm. Now the 39-year old is ready for a bigger challenge.
“I am extremely excited to be coming home to USC and for the opportunity that USC presents to win championships,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “I can’t wait to get started.”
USC Athletic Director Pat Haden gave some insight into his decision to hire Sarkisian, stating that his familiarity with the school and the football program was important to the decision.
“(Sarkisian) embodies many of the qualities for which we looked,” Haden said on Monday. “He is an innovative coach who recruits well and develops players. He is a proven and successful leader. He connects with people. He has energy and passion. He knows how to build a program and create a culture that we value. He is committed to academic success and rules compliance. And he understands the heritage and tradition of USC.”
Haden offered Orgeron the role of Assistant Head Coach, and a raise to make him one of the highest paid assistants in the country, but Orgeron was outraged at not getting the head job after leading USC through a revival in the second half of the season. He departs the school to search other head coaching opportunities.
“I am grateful to the University of Southern California for the great time I had here,” Orgeron said in the statement. “I’m especially grateful for the players on this year’s team, the coaching staff and the Trojan Family for the way they all fought through adversity and became one. I’m also thankful for all the Trojan players and family members who have become close personal friends during my 11 years at USC. I am especially proud of this year’s team and coaching staff, who had to start a new season and then bonded, played together as a family and competed like Trojans. I’ll forever be grateful to the University of Southern California. Fight On!”
It is expected that USC offensive coordinator Clay Helton will be the interim coach in the Trojans’ bowl game.
Thanks for Reading. You can follow the LWOS College Football department on Twitter @LastwordLindsay, @BrittneeTaylor, @markrogerstv, @LWOS_Sibo, @MikeTag98 and @GigemRoss on twitter, and follow the site @lastwordonsport and like our Facebook Page while you are at it.
Interested in writing for LastWordOnSports? If so, check out our “Join Our Team” page to find out how.
Football fans…check out our two partnered NFL podcasts – Thursday Night Tailgate Radio and Overtime Ireland. Both shows bring you interesting commentary, critical analysis and fantastic guests including former and current NFL players, coaches and personalities.
