Does everyone remember Carol Folt said “no” when asked if there were any limitations on what Mike Bohn could or could not do with the football coaching position? This turned out to be the most egregious statement of all time since Folt took over at USC. I’ve reported on Nov. 6 she told a meeting of university administrators that Urban Meyer was “radioactive.” But it … Continue reading Carol Folt Did Put Limitation On Search

It’s been a fairly quiet week with USC on break, but a Pac-12 coach text me today: “What the hell is going on over there? Is it even worse?” Maybe they were including the Holiday Bowl too. It’s pretty much open season right now on the football program. And nothing seems likely to change this impression, unless a great defensive coordinator gets hired. A reader … Continue reading It’s Friday And USC Is Still Burning

You know why I criticize USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell? Because when he refuses to run the ball, like he did in the Holiday Bowl, it makes the game too easy for the defense. Harrell defenders tell me USC could not run on Iowa so he needed to pass. But you still need to try to run. Why? Because it limits the blitz packages. A … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Here’s a factor that some might not understand regarding the hiring of a new defensive coordinator. Here is what I heard from a Pac-12 defensive coordinator: “Graham Harrell doesn’t play complementary football. I wouldn’t take that job unless he changed some things.” What is complementary football? It means the offense takes the defense into consideration instead of just piling up passing stats. For example, you … Continue reading Will Graham Harrell Scare Off Defensive Coordinators?

Isn’t it weird how USC has faith in Clay Helton being the head football coach but not in choosing the next defensive coordinator? If he can’t hire the next defensive coordinator — and he really should not given his track record –than why is he capable of leading the program in 2020? Because Carol Folt wants him to? That’s a helluva reason. I’m not sold … Continue reading Clay Helton Can Lead USC, He Just Can’t Hire Coaches?

Mike Bohn is going to make the call on who USC hires as defensive coordinator, not Clay Helton. But you might be surprised who else is involved in the coaching search. Although long-time administrator Steve Lopes has been under criticism, I hear he is playing a role in the hiring of the new defensive coordinator. Whether or not he remains at USC in the longer … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Another Person Not Named Clay Helton Helping Hire Defensive Coordinator