SBNation.com - USC hires Steve Sarkisian to replace Lane Kiffin (and Ed Orgeron)https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2013-12-27T08:12:28-05:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/45633712013-12-27T08:12:28-05:002013-12-27T08:12:28-05:00Justin Wilcox reportedly taking USC DC job
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<figcaption>Steve Dykes</figcaption>
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<p>Wilcox will join former boss Steve Sarkisian in Los Angeles.</p> <p>Justin Wilcox will leave Washington and join Steve Sarkisian at USC as the Trojans' defensive coordinator, CBS's <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/writer/bruce-feldman/24388102/wilcox-to-become-new-usc-dc">Bruce Feldman is reporting</a>.</p>
<p>Wilcox was a defensive back at Oregon in the late 1990s, and started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Boise State in 2001 under head coach Dan Hawkins. In 2003 he was hired by Cal as the school's linebackers coach, and returned to Boise State in 2006 under Chris Petersen as the school's defensive coordinator.</p>
<p>In Wilcox's four seasons as a coordinator with the Broncos, the program went 49-4, ranking fourth in defensive F/+ in 2008 and 14th in 2009. Boise State gave up just 12.6 points per game in that 2008 season, and made two BCS bowl games (winning both of them) during his time with the school.</p>
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<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://conquestchronicles.com">USC blog Conquest Chronicles</a> <a href="http://uwdawgpound.com">Washington blog UW Dawg Pound</a>
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<p>In 2010, Wilcox was hired as the defensive coordinator at Tennessee, a position he held for two years. The Volunteers' defense struggled in his first year, finishing 49th in defensive F/+, but showed improvement in 2011, moving up to 35th. Tennessee finished in the bottom half of the SEC in scoring defense and total defense in both seasons of Wilcox's tenure.</p>
<p>In 2012, he was hired as Washington's defensive coordinator, taking a unit that ranked 100th in defensive F/+ in 2011 to 37th the year after. This season, that mark improved further, all the way up to 20th. The Huskies gave up 35.9 points per game in 2011 and marked that down to 24.2 in his first season and 23.4 this season. USC's defense was one of just three in the Pac-12 that gave up fewer points than the Huskies 2013, averaging 21.2 points per game.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/27/5175542/justin-wilcox-usc-defensive-coordinatorPete Volk2013-12-22T15:27:09-05:002013-12-22T15:27:09-05:00Sarkisian says he wants to bring Orgeron back
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>Orgeron may be holding out for a head coaching job, however.</p> <p>USC head coach Steve Sarkisian replaced popular interim head coach Ed Orgeron, and now he's trying to bring the former defensive line coach back to his staff, <a href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/college-football/story/_/id/10180717/usc-trojans-keep-clay-helton-oc-pursue-orgeron">Sarkisian told ESPN</a>.</p>
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<p>"I am going to pursue Ed here one more time," Sarkisian told the "Trojan Brunch" show on ESPNLA 710. "I thought about him again after the game on the ride home. I think when emotions get settled down, and I know that was an emotional time for Ed and not getting named the head coach when he thought he should have been deservedly so, I would have felt the same way."</p>
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<p>Orgeron resigned from the school after reportedly being "<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/2/5167874/ed-orgeron-resigns-usc-steve-sarkisian">outraged</a>" at the decision to hire Sarkisian over him. He was tabbed to replace Lane Kiffin after a disappointing start to the season, and posted a 6-2 record as the Trojans' interim head coach, with six straight wins in conference play.</p>
<p>Coach O was a favorite with many of the USC players, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/3/5168222/steve-sarkisian-usc-coaching-search-ed-orgeron-reaction">who were distraught</a> when the decision came down. He is thought to be looking for a head coaching job, and it is unknown whether he will settle back for a job as a positional coach. Sarkisian and Orgeron were a part of the same USC staff from 2001-03.</p>
<p>On Wednesday, it was reported that Washington defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi was <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/18/5226228/tosh-lupoi-investigation-benefits-washington-usc">being investigated by the NCAA</a> for providing improper benefits to a recruit. Lupoi was Sarkisian's defensive line coach with the Huskies, and would have likely been a candidate for the defensive line coaching position that they are currently pursuing Orgeron for.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/22/5236172/ed-orgeron-usc-staff-steve-sarkisianPete Volk2013-12-21T18:39:03-05:002013-12-21T18:39:03-05:00USC reportedly wants to retain Helton as OC
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<figcaption>Ethan Miller</figcaption>
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<p>The Trojans ranked tenth in the Pac-12 this season in scoring offense even amid coaching turmoil.</p> <p>Despite a change at the top, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> want to retain a major part of their coaching staff, as the school will reportedly attempt to retain offensive coordinator Clay Helton in the same position, according to Scott Wolff of the Daily News.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> will announce after the game that Clay Helton has been retained as offensive coordinator</p>
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideUSC/statuses/414526451342258176">December 21, 2013</a>
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<p>Helton is reportedly a top target for Florida's open job, as Will Muschamp looks to replace dismissed offensive coordinator Brent Pease. The Gators job could be the only barrier preventing the Trojans from keeping Helton around in Los Angeles.</p>
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<p>If Clay Helton is offered a job elsewhere, say Florida, then maybe he won't be back but otherwise is retained as <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> OC</p>
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideUSC/statuses/414528634825629697">December 21, 2013</a>
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<p>It'd be a tough blow for Will Muschamp if he had verbally agreed to hire Clay Helton and lost him with USC's offer to stay on as OC.</p>
— Zach Abolverdi (@ZachAbolverdi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZachAbolverdi/statuses/414536992542982144">December 21, 2013</a>
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<p>He has been the Trojans' quarterbacks coach since 2010, and was promoted to offensive coordinator this season.</p>
<p>This season, the Trojans finished tenth in the Pac-12 in scoring offense, averaging 28.5 points per game. The only teams in the conference with worse scoring numbers were California and Colorado -- by far the bottom two teams in the conference.</p>
<p>USC's incoming head coach, Steve Sarkisian, was previously an offensive coordinator with the school.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/21/5233988/clay-helton-usc-offensive-coordinatorPete Volk2013-12-11T12:30:28-05:002013-12-11T12:30:28-05:00Sark likely to get USC back on track
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>The new Trojans coach knows Los Angeles and has already shown a commitment to building a good coaching staff. But it won't be easy ... the Pac-12 is tougher than it was during Pete Carroll's reign.</p> <p>While Steve Sarkisian isn't excellent at everything (his player development and game decisions are often criticized), he is a very good recruiter. He did not win big at Washington, but he did a very good job of bringing the talent level back to an acceptable level. And that was no easy task after what Tyrone Willingham left Sarkisian.</p>
<p>There is every reason to believe that Sarkisian will be a top recruiter at USC. That is true of every coach USC could have reasonably hired, but Sarkisian might recruit a bit better there than most.</p>
<p><span>He is personable and connects well with young people and high school coaches. Sarkisian also knows the California recruiting scene very well. And while no USC coach would be unwelcome at high schools in the state, his familiarity with the landscape can help him to get off to a fast start.</span></p>
<p>USC also uses its NFL history as a major selling point for recruits. Sarkisian did use more spread concepts in 2013 at Washington, but he can still sell his offense as a pro-style attack, which is important to some recruits.</p>
<h4>The most important recruiting job</h4>
<p>But before Sarkisian even gets into recruiting high schoolers, he must first recruit his own players to stay and not transfer or leave early for the NFL. Players were reportedly angry that Ed Orgeron was not retained as head coach, and Sarkisian must make sure their anger at the administration does not become refocused on him.</p>
<p>Already, it seems to be working. Sarkisian convinced quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136352/max-wittek">Max Wittek</a> to stay at USC Tuesday.</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> QB Max Wittek told his teammates he will not transfer after meeting with Steve Sarkisian</p>
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideUSC/statuses/410474774469435392">December 10, 2013</a>
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<p>Max Wittek told teammates he decided to stay after Steve Sarkisian told him the quarterback position would be open <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a></p>
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideUSC/statuses/410475158072078336">December 10, 2013</a>
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<h4>He can't do it alone</h4>
<p>Of course, a head coach only has so much to do with recruiting. New NCAA rules have reduced the amount of permissible contact between the head coach and prospects, so the other nine members of the coaching staff are more important than ever for recruiting.</p>
<p>Already, Sarkisian has retained receivers coach Tee Martin, a tremendous recruiter and former national champion quarterback during his days at Tennessee. And he brought Peter Sirmon along with him from Washington. Sirmon is another capable recruiter.</p>
<p>Two other members of Sarkisian's Washington staff are already coming to town with him. <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/4/5176770/usc-retains-recruiting-ace-tee-martin" target="_blank">SB Nation's Conquest Chronicles has more on that</a>. If he can convince Washington coaches Justin Wilcox and Tosh Lupoi to come along too, USC will have a ridiculously good recruiting staff.</p>
<p>Talent is clearly a focus for Sarkisian, who reportedly tried to hire UCLA's offensive line coach, Adrian Klemm, a tremendous recruiter.</p>
<h4>Current class and future prospects</h4>
<p>USC currently has 10 commitments for the class of 2014, and three of those are rated four-stars or better. That's a fairly pathetic haul by USC's standards. However, the Trojans seem poised to potentially land three five-stars in Adoree' Jackson (cornerback/receiver), John Smith (safety) and Damien Mama (offensive line), all of California.</p>
<p>The Trojans are one of the few programs that can consistently sign more four- and five-star prospects than two- and three-star prospects -- the ratio common among almost all national title-winning programs in the BCS era, and one accomplished by USC for most of the BCS era as well.</p>
<h4>Not Pete Carroll's Pac-12</h4>
<p>One major issue that Sarkisian will face this time around that he did not face as offensive coordinator under Pete Carroll: a very competent UCLA program. Jim Mora is recruiting quite well at UCLA and is rebuilding the Bruins into a force that must be reckoned with. USC won't be the automatic choice for every player in Southern California.</p>
<p>But the USC brand still carries a lot more weight than the UCLA brand, and USC should be able to get a slightly better quality of player than UCLA. If Sarkisian pairs that with winning, then USC could perhaps again have a significantly better quality of player then the Bruins.</p>
<p>UCLA isn't the only issue, however. When Pet Carroll was at USC, he did not have to contend with the level of program that exists at Stanford, Oregon, and other major programs. When Carroll was at USC, there was no other program in the conference that had a real shot at playing for the national title year in and year out. Now, in great years, the Pac-12 has an argument for the best league in the country.</p>
<p>Pac-12 programs have now made significant investments in coaches and facilities upgrades, and it is much tougher to run roughshod over the entire conference. Everyone has to fight tooth-and-nail for a somewhat limited talent pool West of the Rockies.</p>
<p>Ultimately, Sarkisian's success at USC will have more to do with his coaching and player development than it does with his recruiting. Sarkisian is a good enough recruiter to maximize USC's recruiting at the level that the on-field success will permit. If he does well on the field early, he can again return USC to a level where it clearly has the best talent in the conference.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2013/12/11/5196604/steve-sarkisian-usc-football-recruiitngBud Elliott2013-12-03T09:00:03-05:002013-12-03T09:00:03-05:00USC players upset, other fans giddy over Sark
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>USC's hiring of Washington's Steve Sarkisian as its new head football coach seems to have had the exact opposite effect of the effect hirings are supposed to have. </p> <p>We don't know if Steve Sarkisian will be a good coach at USC. This is football, and you can't predict it. Things you think are solid evaporate, and Duke, Auburn and Mizzou end up in conference championship games. And Sarkisian's taken a Washington program that was in dire, dire straits -- 0-12 the year before he got there -- and made them relevant, with three straight seven-win seasons.</p>
<p>However, we'll say this: we can't recall seeing a coaching hire met with such unabashed glee by fans of the teams it should hypothetically rile up and so little positive reaction from those around the team itself. Normally a hiring is met with excitement for a new era, but there doesn't seem to be any joy trickling out from Troy today (there was certainly joy, however, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/2/5167416/usc-hires-steve-sarkisian-player-reactions">on the internet</a> -- at least among non-USC fans).</p>
<p>A glimpse:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Keep getting calls from Dan Weber and he says the mood around <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> is like a funeral.</p>
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) <a href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy/statuses/407645853008949248">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
(The Dan Weber mentioned is a fellow USC beat writer.)</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>As he was leaving Dan Weber asked Pat Haden "How's it going" and he responded, "I've had better days." <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a></p>
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) <a href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy/statuses/407648998363652096">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
THAT'S THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. THAT'S THE GUY WHO MADE THE HIRE.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> players filing out. No one taking. Somber mood at McKay <a href="http://t.co/k5DPM4uTwQ">pic.twitter.com/k5DPM4uTwQ</a></p>
— Kristen Rodgers (@KristenERodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/KristenERodgers/statuses/407645097853849601">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> Justin Davis saying "I'm good--it was..." And a thumbs down gesture</p>
— Kristen Rodgers (@KristenERodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/KristenERodgers/statuses/407645580869906433">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
To be fair, the glum mood seems not to come from any pre-existing feelings about Sarkisian, but rather the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/2/5167874/ed-orgeron-resigns-usc-steve-sarkisian">resignation of Ed Orgeron</a>, the wildly popular interim coach with the funny voice who decided to move on with his career after being passed over for the full-time job. Many of the players liked him, and the announcement that he would be going elsewhere, effective immediately, was a tough pill to swallow.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>How hard will Sark's job be? Players openly crying after Orgeron's departure. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a></p>
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) <a href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy/statuses/407644840919199744">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> players were instructed to not comment on coaching situation. Some left meeting with visible tear marks.</p>
— Kristen Rodgers (@KristenERodgers) <a href="https://twitter.com/KristenERodgers/statuses/407644727941419008">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
It got worse when the players got to Twitter:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Feel like I lost my dad again........</p>
— <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161040/kenny-bigelow">Kenny Bigelow</a> (@4_Fighton_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/4_Fighton_0/statuses/407655960748904448">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>George Uko--> RT <a href="https://twitter.com/uk0sc90">@uk0sc90</a>: Felt like I just lost my father</p>
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) <a href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy/statuses/407605261986054144">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Words can't explain how I'm feeling right now....just lost a father. Way more than a coach <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23coachO&src=hash">#coachO</a></p>
— <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161053/leonard-williams">Leonard Williams</a> (@LWtrojan94) <a href="https://twitter.com/LWtrojan94/statuses/407655048923975682">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Three players on the team literally likened the move to the death of a father. Let that settle in. Three players on the team literally likened the move to the death of a father.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>If you think Coach O was just a football coach then your missing 99% of what he was to us!!</p>
— Kenny Bigelow (@4_Fighton_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/4_Fighton_0/statuses/407658760992092160">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Coach O was more then a coach, he was a father to us, and treated us like we were his own sons... Nothing but good things coming his way!</p>
— soma vainuku (@somavainuku) <a href="https://twitter.com/somavainuku/statuses/407656476207882241">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Coach O can never be replaced ! That's all I'm gonna say</p>
— Su'a Cravens (@_Suu_C) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Suu_C/statuses/407618447745351680">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Obviously, some players had optimistic things. And obviously, the administration wanted to keep Orgeron as an assistant coach. But all this makes me wonder: Why not hire the guy everybody is absolutely crazy about?</p>
<p>(Note: this is not including <a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com/ucla_bruins_usc_trojans/2013/12/2/5167398/usc-trojans-honks-not-barking-for-steve-sarkisian">the semi-breakdown suffered by an LA Daily News reporter</a>.)</p>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
But their fans are excited about the move, right? Let's take a peek in the comments section at our USC blog, <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com">Conquest Chronicles</a>:</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3665393/cc.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3665393/cc_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Cc_medium"></a> <br id="1386030839874"></p>
<p>And a poll:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1947545/poll.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1947545/poll_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Poll_medium"></a></p>
<p><span>Okay! Great! </span></p>
<p><span>Now let's go across town, to see what's happening at </span><a href="http://www.bruinsnation.com">Bruins Nation</a>, to see how the Trojans' biggest rivals might feel about Sark's hiring:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3665369/bruins.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Bruins_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3665369/bruins_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Yeah, they're pretty happy with things. It turns out many of The Other Guys are:</p>
<blockquote style="font-size: 12.222222328186035px;" class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Pac 12 coaches having fun with me now. Looked at my phone and had a pic of a staff holding a bottle of champagne</p>
— FootballScoop Staff (@footballscoop) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballscoop/statuses/407595620581384192">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Our Washington blog <a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/2013/12/2/5167886/sarkisian-usc-dawg-pound-staff-reacts">was understandably somewhat disappointed about being left by their current coach</a> and a lot of his staff, but saw silver linings:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Husky fans: this is a no-lose situation. If he leaves, he left the cupboard loaded. If he stays then we all carry on.</p>
— UW Dawg Pound (@UWSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UWSBN/statuses/407586623589584896">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>The irony here is that UW could come out of this with a much better coach. Great facilities, stacked roster, great city. Attractive gig.</p>
— UW Dawg Pound (@UWSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UWSBN/statuses/407591337114865665">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
We really just liked noted Oregon fan Dan Rubenstein's immediate, giddy reactions:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>ahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha RT <a href="https://twitter.com/schadjoe">@schadjoe</a>: Steve Sarkisian has accepted the USC head coaching position</p>
— Dan Rubenstein (@DanRubenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanRubenstein/statuses/407587424529698816">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Sark was borderline hot seat AT WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON. Pat Haden’s keeping the Pac-12 open for business.</p>
— Dan Rubenstein (@DanRubenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanRubenstein/statuses/407589081711796224">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>On the bright side, USC gets the continuity of hiring a coach who knows how to get embarrassed at ASU.</p>
— Dan Rubenstein (@DanRubenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanRubenstein/statuses/407589418707337217">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>USC just made a ground into double play hire.</p>
— Dan Rubenstein (@DanRubenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanRubenstein/statuses/407590448052441088">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>So let's summarize: USC players are acting like a parent just died. Their fans are mad. Coaches of other teams are popping bottles. And fans of other teams are laughing their asses off.</p>
<p>Again, we don't know what's going to happen, because opinions are often wrong, and even well-thought analysis is often wrong in college football. But hey, this is a pretty bad start, guys!</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/3/5168222/steve-sarkisian-usc-coaching-search-ed-orgeron-reactionRodger Sherman2013-12-02T17:09:48-05:002013-12-02T17:09:48-05:00Orgeron resigns from USC
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tmMO38bofC0rDpTv_lf9ExyuaWk=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24368479/451644213.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Orgeron was reportedly not happy to be passed over for Steve Sarkisian.</p> <p><b>UPDATE to the original story</b>: We now have conflicting reports on the FAU news.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>No truth to the report that Ed Orgeron is trying to get the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FAU&src=hash">#FAU</a> job, per source.</p>
— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BFeldmanCBS/statuses/407637682307620865">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>---------------------------</p>
<p>Ed Orgeron was "outraged" that USC didn't give him the permanent head coaching position, <a href="https://twitter.com/McMurphyESPN/status/407620524094013440">according to a report from ESPN's Brett McMurphy</a>, and resigned despite an open offer to return as an assistant on Steve Sarkisian's staff. Orgeron will not coach USC in its bowl game.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/2/5167208/steve-sarkisian-reportedly-accepts-usc-job">Trojans fans react to Sarkisian hire</a>
</div>
<p>Orgeron reportedly <a href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/college-football/story/_/id/10068739/usc-trojans-hire-steve-sarkisian-washington-huskies-new-football-coach">had the opportunity to stay at USC as an assistant head coach</a> with a salary that would make him one of the nation's highest-paid assistants. Sarkisian and Orgeron have worked together before -- they both were on Pete Carroll's USC staff at one point.</p>
<p>Orgeron is already on the hunt for a head coaching job elsewhere, according to Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Daily News.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>A source tells me Ed Orgeron has applied for the Florida Atlantic job <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a></p>
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideUSC/statuses/407627604644999168">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>If Orgeron doesn't get a head coaching job this offseason, he will be in high demand for an assistant coaching position somewhere, not just because of the success he had as the interim head coach at USC, but also because of his reputation as a strong recruiter.</p>
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<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=36745" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="36745-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/2/5167874/ed-orgeron-resigns-usc-steve-sarkisianSteven Muma2013-12-02T16:23:30-05:002013-12-02T16:23:30-05:00Sarkisian to USC: The Internet reacts
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sYOPBhTT0iSMwEizynTP5iJEIwM=/0x63:4000x2730/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24365509/451651053.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Dykes</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The immediate reaction to Sarkisian's hire wasn't exactly enthusiastic ... well, except from the UCLA side. </p> <p>USC made their head coaching hire today, shocking (most of) the world by picking former offensive coordinator and Washington head coach <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/2/5105084/steve-sarkisian-hired-usc-washington">Steve Sarkisian</a> to replace Lane Kiffin and run the program.</p>
<p>The news was apparently good for fierce rival UCLA, who feared perhaps a bigger splash for the Trojans.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>A guy at UCLA just called and said they are "relieved" SC didn’t hire James Franklin…said he would have changed the dynamic in LA</p>
— FootballScoop Staff (@footballscoop) <a href="https://twitter.com/footballscoop/statuses/407590286034866176">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>As tends to happen on the internet, the immediate reaction was one of snark.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Sark was borderline hot seat AT WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON. Pat Haden’s keeping the Pac-12 open for business.</p>
— Dan Rubenstein (@DanRubenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanRubenstein/statuses/407589081711796224">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I think it's smart of USC to hire a coach who can actually beat Washington State.</p>
— sir broosk (@celebrityhottub) <a href="https://twitter.com/celebrityhottub/statuses/407585275355738112">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>usc stood in the cheese section of the grocery store and couldn't make a decision so they just bought velveeta</p>
— martin rickman (@martinrickman) <a href="https://twitter.com/martinrickman/statuses/407588518932652033">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>New face of USC RT <a href="https://twitter.com/Realdawg247">@Realdawg247</a>: Sarkisian (on our show this A.M.): "I didn't interview for the job. They reached out & I talked to them"</p>
— Dan Rubenstein (@DanRubenstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanRubenstein/statuses/407592433178791937">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The best thing I can say about Steve Sarkisian hire: He is not Jack Del Rio <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a></p>
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideUSC/statuses/407601336746668032">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>With the contrarian stance being one of mild, cautious optimism.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Really though, Sark will do well at USC, as would anyone whose IQ is higher than "grown adult who gnaws on own shoe." (Sorry, Mr. Muschamp.)</p>
— Adam Jacobi (@Adam_Jacobi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adam_Jacobi/statuses/407587559234363392">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I don't hate the hire, better names out there, but I think Sarkisian will be quite alright.</p>
— Michael Felder (@InTheBleachers) <a href="https://twitter.com/InTheBleachers/statuses/407588580630876160">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>He only won 7 games a year at Washington, sure, but Washington isn’t USC. Which is a rather important detail.</p>
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomFornelli/statuses/407588722985549824">December 2, 2013</a>
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<p>SB Nation's own <a href="http://www.uwdawgpound.com/">UW Dawg Pound</a> wasn't exactly distraught with the decision, noting how far Sarkisian took the Huskies' program (and his inability to complete the transition to elite status).</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The irony here is that UW could come out of this with a much better coach. Great facilities, stacked roster, great city. Attractive gig.</p>
— UW Dawg Pound (@UWSBN) <a href="https://twitter.com/UWSBN/statuses/407591337114865665">December 2, 2013</a>
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<p>
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<p>Let's check in on SB Nation's Conquest Chronicles <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/2/5167208/steve-sarkisian-reportedly-accepts-usc-job">and...</a></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3664461/poll.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Poll_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3664461/poll_medium.png"></a></p>
<p>Oh. That's not good.</p>
<p>What about UCLA blog Bruins Nation?</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3664605/bruinsnation.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3664605/bruinsnation_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Bruinsnation_medium"></a> <br id="1386018076608"></p>
<p>Some current Washington players were not happy with the move.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Damn...</p>
— Greg Ducre (@GDucre18) <a href="https://twitter.com/GDucre18/statuses/407585292950847488">December 2, 2013</a>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Don't ever commit cus of a coach. Faker then a 3 dollar bill</p>
— Smiley (@TroyWilliams_3) <a href="https://twitter.com/TroyWilliams_3/statuses/407597342053789696">December 2, 2013</a>
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<p>Recruiting news was mixed, with one five-star reacting less than favorably...</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Coach Sark . USC head Coach .. Oh Boy</p>
— SWEET PEA (@AdoreeKnows) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdoreeKnows/statuses/407589466966999040">December 2, 2013</a>
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<p>
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...while another liked the decision quite a bit.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>5-star RB Joe Mixon says <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> is now back in the hunt after news of Steve Sarkisians' hire. <a href="https://twitter.com/jcshurburtt">@jcshurburtt</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Schrader">@Scott_Schrader</a></p>
— Justin Hopkins (@JHopkins247) <a href="https://twitter.com/JHopkins247/statuses/407593605906178048">December 2, 2013</a>
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<p>On the Washington side, there's already been one decommitment.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I just decomitted from Washington foreal this time .</p>
— RicooGoingD1 (@og_sheadTRN) <a href="https://twitter.com/og_sheadTRN/statuses/407608748161527808">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<p>• <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-longform">Long CFB reads</a> | <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/11/26/5145058/oklahoma-state-vs-baylor-2013-stillwater-recap?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=articlebottom">The night Baylor died in Stillwater</a></p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/iframe?id=36745" frameborder="0" seamless="true" marginwidth="0" mozallowfullscreen="true" webkitallowfullscreen="true" name="36745-chorus-video-iframe"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/2/5167416/usc-hires-steve-sarkisian-player-reactionsPete Volk2013-12-02T14:02:13-05:002013-12-02T14:02:13-05:00Sarkisian leaving UW for USC
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_mg85tjFANE3nk6lxOwD-9-wyK0=/0x170:538x529/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24355831/132572262.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The former Trojan coordinator will reportedly return to LA and take over the program.</p> <p>USC has hired Steve Sarkisian as their new head coach, prying their former offensive coordinator away from Washington to lead the Trojans back to previous heights, according to reports by 247 Sports and ESPN.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Breaking: Sarkisian taking USC Job <a href="http://t.co/FYUO8jMaLw">http://t.co/FYUO8jMaLw</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/247Sports">@247Sports</a></p>
— Realdawg.com (@Realdawg247) <a href="https://twitter.com/Realdawg247/statuses/407583616378499072">December 2, 2013</a>
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<p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Sark to USC.</p>
— Colin Cowherd (@ESPN_Colin) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPN_Colin/statuses/407584530003152896">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
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<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Steve Sarkisian has accepted the USC head coaching position</p>
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/schadjoe/statuses/407586729827508224">December 2, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<p>Earlier Monday, it was reported Sarkisian interviewed for the job -- a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/2/5165926/steve-sarkisian-usc-interview-coach">claim he denied</a>. Vanderbilt's James Franklin, the Broncos' Jack Del Rio, and USC interim head coach Ed Orgeron were thought to be the leading candidates. The team reportedly has an unscheduled meeting at 2 p.m.</p>
<p>Sarkisian, 39, took the head coaching job at Washington following the 2008 season and immediately injected life into what had been a floundering program. His predecessor, Tyrone Willingham, had not led the Huskies to a winning record in any of his four seasons, and the team went winless in the year prior to Sarkisian's arrival. Washington had won a total of 12 games from 2004 through 2008.</p>
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<div class="read-more">
<strong>More</strong>: <a href="http://uwdawgpound.com">Washington blog UW Dawg Pound</a> <a href="http://conquestchronicles.com">USC blog Conquest Chronicles</a>
</div>
<p>Sarkisian's first Washington team finished 5-7, but the Huskies picked up an upset win over USC, and they were competitive in a loss to LSU. The Huskies broke through to win seven games the following year, including a Holiday Bowl victory, marking the first of three consecutive seven-win seasons and three straight bowl bids. Washington had been on a seven-year bowl drought before Sarkisian's arrival.</p>
<p>The Huskies went 8-4 in 2013, their best record in Sarkisian's tenure. The season included a year-opening blowout of Boise State and season-ending wins against Oregon State and Washington State.</p>
<p>Before coming to Seattle, Sarkisian served as an assistant at El Camino College, where he got his coaching start, and he also coached for the Oakland Raiders and had two stints at USC. He served as the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach for USC beginning in 2005 and added the offensive coordinator to his list of duties beginning in 2007.</p>
<p>USC's offense was potent in his two seasons calling the plays. In 2007, the Trojans ranked 29th nationally in total offense and improved to 11th the following year.</p>
<p>In his previous tenure with the Trojans, from 2001 to 2003, he coached Carson Palmer, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2002, and he oversaw Matt Leinart's development. Leinart was the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year in 2003.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/2/5105084/steve-sarkisian-hired-usc-washingtonSteven Muma