Potential USC Coaching Candidates Not Named Chip Kelly
By Kyle Koster
Some of the slack disappeared from the short leash keeping Steve Sarkisian at USC after last night’s debacle against Washington. Between the on- and off-field embarrassments, it’s clear that something will have to change — and fast — to buy another year in Los Angeles. The USC name being what it is, embattled Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly is the most popular choice floating around that could eventually land with the Trojans.
The fit seems natural. Kelly has the cachet and winning pedigree necessary to make a splash — something athletic director Pat Haden aimed to do with Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin in the past. But what if, gasp, Kelly turns things around and isn’t available. What if he’s not interested in returning to the college game?
Here are a few others who should be on USC’s radar.
Chris Petersen
The man standing 53 yards from Sarkisian last night is in many ways his opposite. One is flashy while the other is non-assuming. One wins big football games while the other hangs his hat on recruiting rankings. Petersen interviewed for the Trojans job in 2013 before eventually taking Sarkisian’s vacated spot at Washington. He’s compiled an .837 winning percentage, mostly by convincing kids to play football in Idaho. There’s no telling how quick he’d get USC back on the right road if given keys to the Porsche. The only problem? He’s been reluctant to take them in the past.
Tom Herman
Has the Houston Cougars rolling at 5-0 in his first year. Perhaps more impressive is the way Ohio State’s offense has struggled since he let go of the reins. He’s proven he can put together a championship game plan on one side of the ball while juggling a stable of playmakers. Relative inexperience as a head coach could be a concern but his ability to create a palatable finished product with prime ingredients is attractive.
Tee Martin
Currently serves as USC’s wide receivers coach-passing game coordinator. He’s an in-house name just far enough down the coaching ladder to escape a house cleaning. He’s young, has been recognized for his strong recruiting acumen, and has already made the connections other hires will have to make
Kyle Whittingham
It seems blasphemous to type this but: is USC a better job right now than Utah? On paper it seems so. In reality … well, that may be a different story. Whittingham is a tough defensive mind who has spent his entire career in the West. Has his fractured relationship with administration healed?
Jack Del Rio/Jeff Fisher
USC alums who have spent their entire coaching career in the NFL. Which one gets sick of mediocre seasons first? Long shots, but connection to the university at least merits consideration.