USC Head Coaching Search
By Michael Schneid
Ed Oregeron has done a great job at USC, replacing Lane Kiffin. He is everything Kiffin is not. Compassionate, energetic, enthusiastic, and a people person. Kiffin ran a business-like culture and Oregeron is just doing whatever makes the kids at USC happy. However, he should not be the permanent head coach. But he belongs on the staff, or someone's staff next year.
Oregeron flopped as a head coach once and what he is doing right now is magical. But it's because USC is incredibly talented and finally playing to their potential. Orgeron has all the great qualities you want in a coach, but he has proven to be a great recruiter and is very good as being an assistant. He has proven to be a bust as a head coach. Let him run wild on Kevin Sumlin or James Franklin's staff.
Another thought on the USC coaching search. Jack Del Rio should not be the next head coach. Del Rio is a famed USC alum. He coached the Jaguars for many years and is now the defensive coordinator and interim head coach in Denver. Del Rio is similar to Kiffin in terms of his business-like attitude. Del Rio would appease to boosters and fans, as a former Trojan he will do whatever it takes to win them over. Something Kiffin had no desire in doing. But can Del Rio recruit? Can he connect with 18-19 year old kids? We know he can coach 30 year old millionaires. But that doesn't always translate to college coaching success. Sure, it worked once at USC. A failed NFL coach named Pete Carroll came to USC and won a national title. So there is certainly a precedent there.
USC should pursue one of two guys - Kevin Sumlin or Chris Peterson.
Both men are proven winners at the college level. Sumlin has taken Texas A&M to new heights and been a huge success in their first two years in the SEC. But with Johnny Manziel, Mike Evans, and Jake Matthews all leaving after this year and a defense that has struggled, Sumlin might be smart to leave now and go to LA. USC has pieces in place and he can keep Orgeron on staff to help recruit and to help acclimate him to the USC culture.
Chris Peterson is another guy. He has probably gone as far as he can go at Boise State and rumor is he is open to a move. Peterson has done amazing things at Boise State and has proven to be a brilliant, innovative coach. Imagine what he can do with a significantly greater budget, greater facilities, and in general the USC brand.
AD Pat Haden does not to overthink this. He shouldn't make a decision on emotion (Oregeron) and he shouldn't make a decision that will appease alum (Del Rio). He should hire a guy who will be the best long term coach for USC.
Ed Oregeron has done a great job at USC, replacing Lane Kiffin. He is everything Kiffin is not. Compassionate, energetic, enthusiastic, and a people person. Kiffin ran a business-like culture and Oregeron is just doing whatever makes the kids at USC happy. However, he should not be the permanent head coach. But he belongs on the staff, or someone's staff next year.
Oregeron flopped as a head coach once and what he is doing right now is magical. But it's because USC is incredibly talented and finally playing to their potential. Orgeron has all the great qualities you want in a coach, but he has proven to be a great recruiter and is very good as being an assistant. He has proven to be a bust as a head coach. Let him run wild on Kevin Sumlin or James Franklin's staff.
Another thought on the USC coaching search. Jack Del Rio should not be the next head coach. Del Rio is a famed USC alum. He coached the Jaguars for many years and is now the defensive coordinator and interim head coach in Denver. Del Rio is similar to Kiffin in terms of his business-like attitude. Del Rio would appease to boosters and fans, as a former Trojan he will do whatever it takes to win them over. Something Kiffin had no desire in doing. But can Del Rio recruit? Can he connect with 18-19 year old kids? We know he can coach 30 year old millionaires. But that doesn't always translate to college coaching success. Sure, it worked once at USC. A failed NFL coach named Pete Carroll came to USC and won a national title. So there is certainly a precedent there.
USC should pursue one of two guys - Kevin Sumlin or Chris Peterson.
Both men are proven winners at the college level. Sumlin has taken Texas A&M to new heights and been a huge success in their first two years in the SEC. But with Johnny Manziel, Mike Evans, and Jake Matthews all leaving after this year and a defense that has struggled, Sumlin might be smart to leave now and go to LA. USC has pieces in place and he can keep Orgeron on staff to help recruit and to help acclimate him to the USC culture.
Chris Peterson is another guy. He has probably gone as far as he can go at Boise State and rumor is he is open to a move. Peterson has done amazing things at Boise State and has proven to be a brilliant, innovative coach. Imagine what he can do with a significantly greater budget, greater facilities, and in general the USC brand.
AD Pat Haden does not to overthink this. He shouldn't make a decision on emotion (Oregeron) and he shouldn't make a decision that will appease alum (Del Rio). He should hire a guy who will be the best long term coach for USC.
No comments