Gary Patterson’s shake-up continues. He is hiring his former player, Sam Carter, as an assistant. Now here’s the thing: Carter has coached cornerbacks at Arkansas, Mississippi and Purdue. So is USC cornerbacks coach Trovon Reed being sidelined like Rob Ryan? Does USC need two cornerbacks coaches? It has two linebacker coaches. And two defensive line coaches (Eric Henderson, Shaun Nua). Henderson is interviewing with the … Continue reading Gary Patterson Directly And Indirectly Shaking Things Up

If you look at the coaches who won national titles the past 10 years, they all seem to come from a cold-blooded culture with strong leadership. Cignetti, Day, Harbaugh, Smart, Saban, Swinney. Now I ask you: Does Lincoln Riley fit into this group culturally? Can Riley lead the way these coaches could at their peak? I say peak because someone will inevitably point out Swinney’s … Continue reading Saturday Buzz: Does Lincoln Riley Fit Into This Maequee Group?

There is a growing belief in coaching circles that if USC does not make the College Football Playoff this season, Lincoln Riley is in trouble and Jen Cohen would move to replace him. Who are the top candidates? Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, who was hired by Cohen at Washington and Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham. Would either take the job? With DeBoer, it would depend … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Just a couple follow-ups on this new USC billboard campaign. Does “The Time : Is Now” mean USC can make the College Football Playoff because it no longer plays Notre Dame? Also, several readers have pointed out to me the grammar issues with the space before a colon. As Jim Healy listeners might remember: Who goofed? I’ve got to know. Continue reading The Problems With New USC Billboard Campaign

Gary Patterson was full of material yesterday confirming the stereotype that he is a football filmaholic. “My wife watches Netflix, I watch film,” Patterson said. The press conference was watched with amusement by a coach who used to work with Patterson and warned the current defensive staff. “Gary will be a pain in the a–,” the coach said. “He will coach the whole defense. He … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Gary Patterson Is Going To Be Whirlwind

What is this latest campaign for USC football? Sounds like a warning to Lincoln Riley. Win now! If only Jen Cohen had the nerve. Continue reading USC Notes: New Slogan For Lincoln Riley?