Former USC defensive backs coach Greg Burns is returning to the Trojans. He was at Oregon State last season. I haven’t been around Burns since 2005 but I know Pete Carroll talked Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin into taking him off his hands in 2006. That was a disaster and Burns last only one season. He has since been at schools like Kansas State, … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Mike Goff, a 12-year NFL veteran who helped coach the USC offensive line, has been hired as the offensive line coach at Western Kentucky. This is actually a loss for the coaching staff. Goff was widely respected at USC and probably deserved a shot to be offensive line coach. He also was a rarity at USC, a man of principle: Goff always coached the offensive … Continue reading USC Loses A Coach

Mater Dei linebacker Mase Funa announced today he would honor his commitment to Oregon. Funa recently visited USC, which made a late push. The four-star prospect is the highest-rated linebacker to ever commit to Oregon. So here is the question: Why did USC have to make a late push? USC got three players from Mater Dei last season and usually seem to get who they … Continue reading USC Recruiting Is Something Else, Part IV

USC is still in the process of hiring a secondary coach. But there is a far bigger problem with the defense than hiring a defensive line or secondary coach. The defense needs new ideas. Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast plays man-to-man coverage and never changes his strategy. That is one reason USC intercepted only four passes last season. It’s funny how the offense is going to … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: What’s So Wrong With New Ideas On Defense?

It probably says something about the season that linebacker Cameron Smith could miss two games and play only eight snaps against Utah but still was named USC’s most valuable player Wednesday night. There was no player of the game awards vs. UCLA or Notre Dame. In the past, USC would give out this award even if it lost the game. But not any more. A … Continue reading Cameron Smith Named USC MVP

I never underestimate USC’s ability to put together a top recruiting class with its tradition. But these are not the headlines I normally see: USC offers defensive back committed to Colorado Cornerback committed to Georgia Tech will visit USC this weekend Top USC offensive line prospect decommits from North Carolina State Like I said, anything is possible in recruiting but it would be nice to … Continue reading USC Recruiting Is Something Else, Part III