I wrote last night about the dire roster status of the cornerback position. So consider this: New defensive backs coach Greg Burns worked for Pete Carroll at USC from 2002-2005. In the past 13 seasons, Burns worked at seven different teams. Why didn’t Carroll ever hire him back? That’s a warning sign. Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Another Thought On Secondary

You think teams that play USC next season will try to pass the ball? Look at who returns from this season’s roster. And remember USC often has to play a nickel defense. Cornerback is a prime concern. Cornerback: Isaac Taylor-Stuart, Olaijah Griffin, Greg Johnson, Dominic Davis Safety: Talanoa Hufanga, Isaiah Pola-Mao, Chase Williams,, C.J. Pollard Continue reading Here Is A Prime Concern Next Season

Just to follow-up on Kliff Kingsbury’s interview, he sure went out of his way to say “my system,” when discussing the offense. A new coach would usually say “our system” or “the system.” He also didn’t flinch when asked what would happen if Clay Helton was fired. His tone was almost, “oh well.” We could essentially have three head coaches next season with Kingsbury running … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Is It Head Coach Kingsbury?

USC offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury told ESPN the quarterback position is open. “It’ll be open competition,” Kingsbury said. “I want to see how everybody handles my system. How they pick it up and how they play within my system.” He sure makes it clear Clay Helton won’t have much to do with the offense. And he even admitted he contacted Helton and Helton contacted him … Continue reading Kliff Kingsbury Promises Open QB Competition

I’ve even heard from a USC coach who was surprised John Baxter was given a dual role of tight ends and special teams coach. Wonders never cease. Of course, even dating back to the Lane Kiffin era, Baxter’s never been the most popular coach on the staff. I really can’t say I understand USC’s “philosophy” regarding the linebacker coaches. New outside linebackers coach Joe DeForest … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Saturday Thoughts

USC has officially announced its remaining coaching staff changes today: Outside Linebackers: Joe DeForest Inside Linebackers: Johnny Nansen Offensive line: Tim Drevno Wide Receivers: Keary Colbert Tight Ends: John Baxter REACTION: I previously wrote about DeForest getting promoted from defensive analyst. Nansen did outside linebackers last season and will do inside next season. I’m not really sure what his expertise would be for either. Colbert … Continue reading So Much For Sweeping Changes