USC Names Lane Kiffin As Carroll’s Replacement

The biggest news today in collegiate football is the departure of Pete Carroll who has formally joined the Seattle Seahawks.  USC fans though would also know who will be at the helm for the Trojans next year.  Today, the University of South California announced that Lane Kiffin, a former member of Carroll’s staff will be the head coach next year for the collegiate football juggernaut.

From 2001 until 2006, Lane Kiffin was a member of the USC coaching staff ultimately named as the offensive coordinator of the Trojans in his last year with the team.  His works did not go unnoticed as Al Davis, owner of the Oakland Raiders came calling.  His stint with the NFL’s Raiders spanned two seasons but can be considered as a failure as the team only managed to win five games in two seasons.

Lane Kiffin’s departure from the Raiders is not as smooth as his departure from Carroll’s staff in USC back in 2006.  A heated war of words between Davis and Kiffin accompanied the latter’s departure.  From the NFL, Kiffin went back to the college arena with the Tennessee Vols after then head coach Philip Fulmer announced that he will not be returning in 2009.

Kiffin did not exactly have a winning team upon his arrival but he did a good job along with his father Monte.  Last year, the Vols recorded a 7-6 record.  They also played at the Chick-Fil-A Bowl under Kiffin’s tutelage.  After just a year with the Vols though, Kiffin is now headed back to USC where he will be asked to continue Carroll’s work which is very impressive indeed.   For nine years, the Trojans only lost 19 games under Carroll and won two national championships.  That’s some pretty big shoes to fill.  Lane Kiffin USC head coach (formally) will be helped by his father as the defensive coordinator and former Ole Miss coach Ed Orgeron who will assume the title of recruiting coordinator.

news source: Lane Kiffin USC