Updated USC Coaching List

OK, here’s a list of candidates and some comments on each. This list assumes USC will do an exhaustive search and not simply hire someone with USC ties, which is the case for almost every hire outside of Larry Smith and Pete Carroll since 1940.

Top USC candidates

Kyle Whittingham, Utah: He’s steady and maybe a little boring. But USC needs boring right now. And he wins with less talent.

Jack Del Rio, Raiders: Asked in May about pursuing USC job in 2013, he said, “I still want this job. Just kidding, I love my job (with the Raiders).”

Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M: Wanted job in 2013 but signed contract extension instead.

James Franklin, Penn State: USC was intrigued by him but then lost interest for Sarkisian. Go figure.

Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern: Already knows how to work at private school and has defensive background.

Chip Kelly, Eagles: His prickly personality would not mesh with USC administration. And he reportedly does not like L.A.

Ed Orgeron, LSU assistant: Some donors want him but he and Pat Haden ended on poor terms in 2013.

 

197 thoughts on “Updated USC Coaching List

          • Sas has no reasons. Coach O would be a great hire. Coach O inspires like no other. FIGHT ON, BROTHER!

          • I know do you remember how he hand wrote thank you notes to each member of the band and just because he is not a Socal surfe tyoe or pretty boy.. We don’t need that we need to teach toughness and grit and a team family.. He would be dedicated. Plus im sure he has learned some things from the Ole miss job he once had

          • Check his Ole Miss portfolio, and his inability to coach a good defensive line his last few years at USC.

          • What is ironic is that the LA Country Club types looked down on Ed as beneath them and his replacement Sark ended up embarrassing them at their Tribute To Troy soiree.

          • He won three conference games in three years at Ole Miss. The team he left was not as good as the team he inherited. And if this was not enough the teams that followed were much better than the team he left.

          • It’s not an accident coach O couldn’t land a head coaching job without an “interim” label.

          • But he had great success at USC as an interim coach and the players and fans loved him.

          • I think you’re being sarcastic. Personally, I couldn’t get past the ND game he lost as interim coach. ND didn’t have a QB who could throw the ball from here to there and would’ve been lucky to get a first down. Meanwhile, we were getting the ball at the 50 or better and couldn’t do anything with it.

  1. Who gives a rip about Haden. Haden should be nowhere near the decision making process. He screwed the pooch royally with Sark. I’m for putting together a committee of former players; Ronnie Lott, Marcus Allen, Rodney Peete, Kevin Bruce, to play a major role in this decision.

  2. Funny how ESPN reported that Ed Orgeron will not be a candidate for the job, but Wolf has him. Sumlin and Franklin won’t be considered this time around.

  3. Wolf–your crazy no way Del Rio comes.
    Chip Kelly is just a gimmick type coach.
    We need a coach that teaches physical line play
    especially defense.
    The best football coach out there is: Mark Dantonio -Michigan State. Great coach who teaches discipline. Tired of these offensive patsy type coaches who can draw plays but not motivate.

    How did Sarkisian land one of the the top paying jobs in college football with no qualifications. The Pete Carroll era is over……it’s time to hire a real non-glamourous football coach who can motivate.
    We don’t need another fraternity brother as a coach.

      • I think your right about his comfort level at MSU. Similar to UCLA, MSU plays little brother in that state w/regards to FB and the demands of the fan base are considerably different. Keep in mind we love Mora and he was 13-5 through his first 18 games.

        • You still loving Mora if he loses to Stanford and Utah yet again? Or is the USC win still all that matters as usual?

          • Considering where we were before Mora and where we are now I would say he has built up enough equity to lose a game or two along the way.

      • He’s another one of those coaches that wins more with less. But may nit be as effective in a pressure cooker .

  4. For Wolfie to put Orgeron on this list just shows his complete lack of inside info. I can tell you now that Ed O would never even be considered for the job, regardless if Haden chooses or not.

    A few others here are also laughable, but ED O stands out hilariously.

    • You always act like you have inside info but you never break any news nor have you given any info prior to them breaking… Stop pretending like you know cause everyone knows you don’t know jack!

      • Wolfie’s list is made for Trolls like you: actually for you only Teddy boy.

        I’m not here to break news. You never got that before today?

          • Wow. I didn’t mean to hurt you so bad Teddy. You almost brought me to tears with your plea for help. Get some support from your fellow Trolls. They’re all here fighting for you, every day. And if you disappear, God forbid, we will all care deeply and hold a Troll funeral for you, hankies in hand. Please stay. Please never go…

          • Easy Ted, Itchy has very low self esteem and goes ballistic if anyone dare disagree with Itchy dogmatic glare.

    • Jack, I don’t know if I already asked you this, who are 3-4 guys you like to be considered for the job. And who’s your top pick?

      • D.J. Durkin (MICH DC), Greg Roman (Buff Bills OC) and HOU HC Tom Herman are all people who interest me. Haven’t thought enough about it, but Durkin and Roman come recommended from college coaching circles as tough coaches ready to make the jump to the big-time and Herman has the Cougars in the top 25 as a first year coach and is an offensive mastermind who is also an Urban Meyer disciple.

        • It’s still early Michigan has yet to face Michigan St or Ohio St, but they’ve been playing lights out defense so far. If we could bring Drevno with him and I think he would, I’d be good with that hire.

          • 3 shutouts in a row is ridiculous considering the offenses today, but this weekend will be very interesting.

          • I am biased about this and imagine your are as well, but why stay in college station when you could go to Los Angeles. I would kill to get back home, but My wife is an east coast snob who thinks anything west of Philly is beneath her.

          • USC is a great job, but a pressure cooker as well. And Kiffin and Sark have upped the pressure even more by striking out.

          • That will be a big hurdle for whoever the next hire is, you can probably count on one hand the number of jobs in all of sports that carry the kind of expectations yours does.

          • Perhaps there is always pressure in the USC job, but at least this new coach won’t be following Carroll.

        • Jack, don’t you want someone with head coaching experience? From a Bruins perspective, Herman terrifies me, the other two would be learning how to be a head coach on the job, no?

          • I’m good for an asst who’s ripe, hungry and endorsed big by Harbaugh. Sometimes people have a certain presence (Sark NEVER had this, Pete did) and you know they’re gonna do well. If it turns out the assts don’t display this in the hiring and interview process, pass them by and go for killer HC with the successful experience. I’m good with either approach and think we should leave no stone unturned with all the time and resources we have.

    • You don’t get it, do you Jackie B?
      By now it should be obvious that not only is Wolf an “insider” he is the Godfather of SoCal Football. He is the man pulling the strings way above the level you can see. He predicts what will happen, however unpopular and then it happens.
      Carroll, Kiffin, Sark and soon St. Pat. Doesn’t it seem strange to you that he KNOWS what will happen before it happens?
      At the end of this season when the current SoCal A.D. decides to walk away “and spend more time with his family”
      Scott Wolf will reign supreme as the last Trojan standing and the foremost expert in SoCal Footballdom.
      #Hemakesithappen

    • Scooter is just plain lazy this is his same list from his last “search” Here is a better wish list in order
      Jon Gruden
      Sean Peyton
      Jimmy Johnson
      Phil Cowher
      Kyle Whittingham
      Pat Fitzgerald
      Bronco Mendenhall

    • At this point, should be on the top of the list. BUT, he’s got that great job as a commentator right? Why take this one?

    • Gruden is an Irish fan. Was obsessed with the team growing up since his father was a coach.

      He also rubs a lot of people the wrong way.

      • He’s a pretty edgy guy and it’s almost guaranteed he’ll rub some people the wrong way. It’s not the safest pick, but it’s pretty sexy.

        • Don’t get me wrong – I’d love it – I love the guy. Just seems unlikely. Especially so, since he has a cush job, re-upped his contract and not only passed on the ND job previously but has made zero attempt to return to coaching.

          • I think I heard he was saying he’s warming up to coaching again or something to that effect. Not sure, but it doesn’t hurt to talk.

          • Haden needs to set up a meeting (privately even) with Jon Gruden. He’s a popular choice and now is the perfect time since we can’t talk to any current college coaches or current NFL coaches.

        • In my opinion Jon Gruden has a lot to prove. He’s a really good football mind. He’s won a Super Bowl, and even made the Raiders tough at one time. That being said he won his Super Bowl with Tony Dungy’s guys, so I feel he still needs to prove somewhere college or pro that he is a highly regarded football coach. And I would love for Gruden to lead our program and if he was hired I think it would work. I don’t know if Gruden is waiting for an “NFL Playoff team” to come calling, but with the great talent we have on the roster now would be a perfect time for Gruden to jump at a College head coaching job at USC. Will Pat Haden (or whoever) make an attempt to push for Gruden? I hope so! If Haden doesn’t at least give Gruden’s agent a call for a feeler out meeting than Haden better get the boot for sure. Gruden is a longshot for sure, but you have to swing for the fences sometimes.

          • I’d love for the entire process to be kept quiet. One of the things about Gruden is that he’s not one of these guys who has unfinished business in the NFL like Carroll and Mora. Not only did he win a super bowl in Tampa, I think he took the Raiders to the super bowl as well unless I’m mistaken. His resume looks a lot better than Carroll’s or Mora’s. I love his fire and he seems like a guy the kids would respect and want to follow. I don’t think you can say that about the last two head coaches we’ve had. Gruden is a former QB with the attitude of a nose guard or Mike backer. I’m not saying hire Gruden, but let’s sit down with him and see if there’s a way we can help each other. Who is making the decisions is almost as important to me as what the decision is at this point.

            P.S We better get Kershaw some runs tonight or it’s bye bye baby. Just when it looks like we could avoid playing the Cards.

          • Well said…
            P.S. I agree. We better get Kershaw some run support. The New York crowd will be even louder trying to rattle Kershaw. I hope he throws his best stuff!

      • We are…the Green Machine
        We are…the Green Machine
        We are…the Green Machine
        Notre Dame 49 Southern Cal 19

        That was the best college game I ever saw.
        God that was a great game !

    • Thank you for the consideration. My list :
      1 Del Rio
      2 Del Rio
      3 Del Rio
      Flyer worth going all-in to get (other than me lol) :
      Tony Dungy
      Sell him on the upside of mentoring while winning NC’s,
      plus the opportunity to convert so many away from Kardashian family values.

        • I will just now but believe that both of our schools are better off when the other is excellent.
          Del Rio is your guy, and the only coach worth poaching on Wolfs list. Also believe I’d call Dantonio and Mullen at the MSUs.
          Cheers and best of luck in your search !
          Prayers for Sark

    • Kyle Whittingham / Gary Patterson / Mark D’Antonio.. All deserve interviews..
      USC needs to stay away from 1-3 yrs Head coaches and current Coordinators..
      USC needs to hire a Head Coach with Head coaching experience and leadership, not hire young guys to coach kids..

  5. Herm Edwards, Jon Gruden, Tony Dungy, Greg Roman, Tim Drevno, Jeff Fisher, ….the Rams are underperforming….who knows… USC once hired another Pac 10 coach, Larry Smith….that didn’t go well..Whittingham is ok at Utah, but he’s not Urban Meyer…this is USC, not Utah….

  6. Ed O is a helluva recruiter and D line coach and I’d love to have him in those capacities.

    I’m not going to try and say who should be coach because I’m not in a position to really investigate these guys. Bring in some of the guys mentioned above, but sit down with John Gruden as well and see where he’s at. I know it’s time to be conservative and Gruden would be a flashy hire, but just talk to the guy.

  7. Wittingham is our man. The other coaches on this list are tied to big contracts already arent they? Orgeron isnt a serious candidate either.

        • It’s a slow nite at the Frat house for Nick. He has a lot of idle time on his hands since his boy bands comeback failed.

      • You are right Nick Jones. Ty Willingham would be a good choice. After me, of course. And also Nick, I can you have special needs. I can help you. I’m just like you.

    • TL, what do you think of Cutcliffe? I’m just asking because I’ve seen you on the other forum and know you speak with knowledge and not from the hip. I honestly don’t know where USC will look to now for an Hc. Thanks bro.

      • Ray, I’m sorry that I’m not really familiar with Cutliffe. I will have to do my homework on him.

  8. The funny thing about USC football, and UCLA basketball is so many coaches have no interest in these 2 plum jobs because they do not want to live in Los Angeles. They prefer life in those small college towns, and not crazy LA. One thing USC needs to consider in their next coach, is how much urban living experience the guy has had. If they hire a coach who has lived small towns his whole life, like Chris Peterson, they could be in trouble. So many people move to LA from some small town, and completely go crazy. USC does not need that.

  9. What about me? I’m available and widely known as one of the best coaches in pac 12 history. Yes I’m a Bruin but I would be willing to make an exception if USC will have me. Where do I apply?

    • Karl,
      I think you would do a good job but I dont remember my Trojans ever hiring an African American Head Footbat Coach. Thi would be a great time for USC to show some diversity.

      • You’re right Nick. We’ve had an African American Basketball coach and AD, but never an African American Head Footbat coach. In fact I don’t think we’ve even had a WHITE Head Footbat Coach, come to think of it…

  10. Another guy nobody is mentioning that you might want to talk to is David Cutcliffe down at Duke.

  11. Best of luck to Sark with his road to recovery.

    New Coach list

    Top Choice – David Shaw

    Realistic Choice – Fitzpatrick

    One to consider – Bo Pelini

  12. are you’z guy’s using the same Search Firm as always…..’See No Evil, Hear No Evil’. Let the VETTING (one of Cutty’s favorite words) begin.
    feilyght on Clown U

  13. As a Bruin, here are the five realistic names that terrify me:
    1. Chip Kelly
    2. Kyle Whittingham
    3. Kevin Sumlin
    4. Tom Herman (Houston)
    5. Justin Fuente (Memphis)

    • Sumlin signed a big extension. So I believe he’s not an option anymore. He was willing to take the job and stated that Haden took too long to show him any interest.

        • Why not, Haden paid Sark’s premium buyout. U-Dub had to suppress their glee until the Toejam check cleared.

          • I wouldn’t sleep on Herman and Fuente, there going to be stars down the road, Kelly seems like high risk high reward.

          • Kelly would be my 5th or 6th choice. But with the right defensive coordinator those names could do really well at USC. My thing is defense first with our program. The last few years offense hasn’t been the problem. It’s the defense that was the reason we lost most games since 2009. At least 75% the reason.

          • I hear what your saying but so much has changed over the last few years. Your 12-1 team from 2008, if I remember correctly allowed less than 9 pts per game, last year the least pts allowed per game was over 16 pts per game.

          • The PAC 12 is a tough conference to play defense now days. You have to defend the pass and run. Most conferences don’t do both well like the PAC 12, so a good Defensive Coordinator is important with next hire

          • We didn’t play defense during the Kiffin and Sark days. The trend grew stronger. We’ll need to be balanced going forward to win games. We have the athletes and talent.

          • No disagreement, I was just pointing out that defense isn’t the end all be all that it used to be.

          • I mean Wittingham, Sumlin, and Kelly. I think Fuente and Herman may need to polish up at another job before a USC gig.

    • Agreed. Would put Whittingham above Kelly though, actually, in terms of terror factor.

  14. Rich rod got fired from Michigan. If you can’t come up with agood name then don’t name one.

  15. I know a poster or two HATES Orgeron though most people LOVE the guy, former players, boosters, current players and most of the media.

    But we all know that CEO and Pat Haden are oil and water. The question is whether Pat Haden should be the one making that decision. And he most definitely should not be.

    Orgeron was passable enough to be kept around since Hackett and was the go-to guy for recruiting and relations. We saw CLK break down those recruiting relationships in CA by the end of his tenure. We saw Sark, a South Bay guy, now break down those relations.

    Orgeron, who by anyone’s reckoning was not just a premier recruiter but a great judge of talent beyond the rankings.

    Orgeron beat everyone we were really capable of beating during his stretch, and no one ran over us. He pulled out what was one upset. And that was at the lowest point for SC talent during the sanctions.

    Guys come back an extra year for Orgeron. Guys play hard for Orgeron. Kids like to come play for Orgeron. And the media, boosters, and most of the fans like the guy. And we know he isn’t a bust nor someone who won’t “get it” nor would there be a drop off.

    But I know, feelings. CLK and Sark (people who destroyed the program since back in the PC days) were the young darlings. So CEO has to pay by having coached under PC too. It’s not rational, but feelings is how we’ve done coaching hires up til now.

    • Ed Orgeron. Great guy (I don’t know him personally), great personality, great motivator, great DLine Coach (but not the Ed O DLines of old). That’s where the buck stops with Ed O and USC. He’s not head coaching material at USC. No offense to ED O. He’s an ALL TIME TROJAN✌️

      • I think it is still all about fit. And I also think that we may be getting into the whole Hollywood thing. I don’t want a coach that will “wow” people or who is supposed to be a genius, or make other programs respect the name we hired.

        I think what we need is Ed. Watching him during his tenure where he got with the coaches that worked with him, veteran coaches, and came up with the best game plan week to week, and got the most out of the kids, that is what a coach does. And he was honest and straightforward with the press, fans and everyone else. We know players want to play for him, high school coaches and parents trust him, and that he keeps up the energy.

        All that has become too simple for people. They want a splash to impress other fan bases or people to make them feel cool by proxy. They want someone who is fresh from some other program that isn’t like this program. That’s a recipe for the next failure IMHO.

  16. Wolf..for head coach—strong physical presence, motivator, positive thought processes, outstanding public speaker, good recruiter.
    You would look good in the red pants Haden wears also.

    Rich Rodriquez——–terrible coach……..ALL offense.
    He was a disaster at Michigan………….

    How about Rich Neuheisel……..he’s another wimpy coach.

    I will say this- SC needs to clean house–starting with the AD, Associate AD’s, and JK Mckay. Speaking of Mckay isn’t he closest to the football program, and should have been aware of Sark’s drinking. Politics and country club atmosphere within the athletic department has brought everything down.

  17. This list is terrible. Tom Herman should be the top candidate. Since he left OSU as the O.C., they have looked lost on offense. All of a sudden, Houston is undefeated and in the top 25 poll. This guy’s stock is soaring and teams will be breaking the door down to pull him away. No time to waist!

    • They won’t hand him the keys to the Trojans, but your right, he won’t be at Houston too long

  18. Another interesting question is whether PH makes the hire, I’m hearing there is a serious debate about this between Nikias (he loves PH) and the board (exact wording I heard, “They are fed up with Haden).

  19. Either Kyle Wittingham, or Jack Del Rio. Wittingham’s name is blowing up the internet right now . But if Del Rio wants the job so bad that he’s willing to leave the Raiders, then you have to give it to him . And I can’t believe Pat Haden had him in the Palm of his hands .

      • He’s a guaranteed safe bet, his philosophy is to control the line of scrimmage, run the ball, and play tough defense.

        • In a perfect world he takes the job right away. But he’s got the NFL itch. Still money can change minds very quickly.

          • That’s the formula to win championships if you can bring in the players, and that won’t be a problem for any decent coach at USC

  20. Brian Kelly (seems more like an SC kinda guy), John Harbaugh (he could beat brother Jim in the Rose Bowl after having whooped him in the Súper Bowl), Sean Payton ( helped New Orleans after Katrina and could help SC weeather its own storm), and Jim Mora (has dated a hot babe but will now date THE hot babe).
    They could double as the AD as other sports don’t really count anyway.

  21. Bob Stoops! Now is his chance to coach in the Pac 12 and really recruit Cali. With his Texas connections, he would be a recruiting Juggernaut.

  22. Quick Thought: WHEN has ONE reporter ever DOMINATED the sweeet scooops of one team like the WOLFMAN has???

    he SCOOOPED Kiff ambush firing on the tarmac

    he SCOOOPED borrOcho’s leave of absence

    he SCOOOPED the firing of borrOcho

    and he will SCOOOP the retirement of Paddy O’Hadden which is IMMINENT!!!

    #IFeelAPulitzerComingOn

    #StunningRe-por-TAGE

  23. Today was a tough day for every Trojan and all Trojan Fans and despite the last few days, BETTER DAY ARE SOON AHEAD !

    You can only take so much, so when I saw this tonight on “BR” (They’re so weak!) I commented this…

    Rick S Just Now

    “Daelin Hayes”, despite the so recent fall of Steve Sarkisian and the USC Head Coach, “you” were never a Trojan, “Never” !

    Go somewhere else, Trojans don’t care either way, posers never belong here, Championship U, You were always ready to jump ship anyway !

    Out here on the West Coast, L.A. particularly, we want real fighters and had you become a Trojan and as soon as toughness is required, you’d jump ship there too, abandoning your ship mates and running for home !!

    NOTHING LOST HERE !!!

    Mark “my” words, where ever you go and whom ever takes you, the USC Trojans will win a National Title while you watch it on your T.V. !

    Last but not least, “We” the Trojans are “so” stacked with “true” Linebackers (At a level you will never get to!) that your chance of starting is/were slim-and-none (That’s less than but not equal too!!)

    I for one am glad you jumped ship because when the tough gets going, you’re just sailing away to a place were punks go…

    No Man’s Land !

    USC… FIGHTON

    [Like I said, USC TROJANS “FIGHTON” !]

    • What are you 12?!? Better days are ahead for most people…but for you, I see worst days ahead… The kid is 17 and doesn’t want to come play at your school… Wish him well and move on… Don’t be mad that southern cal is a joke right now!

  24. After everyone parlays talks into contract extensions, SoCal will be left with Lane Kiffin, Kiffin’s brother, and Brennan Carroll as options! Bite On!

  25. The Toejam pampered crybabies could never play for any of those coaches, except for O, who brought the donuts! Imagine Adoree Jackson telling any of those coaches he would rather run track then do spring practice….

    • and….who’s idea was it to have Will FERRETT lead the team on to the field…..oh, I forgot…O.J. wasn’t available….
      feouight uuhhhnnn

  26. One thing about the USC job now: It is said that nobody wants to be the guy who replaces a legend. We just had two completely unqualified disasters try to do so.
    Now the position is not replacing the legend but restoring the program to its former glory and that might appeal to the right coach who is qualified and up to the challenge. And the talent is there, this is not a rebuilding program.

  27. Steve Spurrier just retired at South Carolina. Maybe he’d be willing to coach for a few more years at the other USC.

  28. The coaches who were most successful at USC were defensive minded. Carroll, McKay, Jones & Henderson. You have Dave Wannstead sitting in an LA Fox TV station, Hermann Edwards played at CAL and would be a great hire if he was interested. Jeff Fischer has been asked too many times and just doesn’t want to coach college.

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