Fans shouldn’t be too upset that Ed Orgeron didn’t get the opportunity to become the next head coach for USC.
Steve Sarkisian is absolutely the right hire.
In Sarkisian, you have an individual raised within the USC family, just as “home grown” as Orgeron, who understands the very unique culture of this football program and the University.
I had no idea Sarkisian even attended USC as an undergrad, until he referenced living in Fluor Tower during his inaugural press conference. When you have literally lived on campus, you know something about what it means to be a Trojan.
Sarkisian, just as with Orgeron, was directly mentored by the head coach who most recently brought USC to National Championship glory in Pete Carroll. So you have a coach who understands the right work ethic, energy and intensity needed to beat conference rivals and get back to Rose Bowls and Championships. If anything, Sarkisian was more directly influenced by Carroll than Orgeron.
Students know Sarkisian’s reputation, as a former quarterback coach, for grooming players in this vital position to succeed on the collegiate level and in preparation for the NFL. Recruiting will be a big strength for this guy.
Under Orgeron, USC did post a miraculous record given their season of turmoil, they did have an impressive win against Stanford, but you never got the sense USC “turned it on” in any second half. They went through their motions, at times played tough, but you never saw an entirely different character to the squad, a more vicious tone to their play. This is why they got squashed by UCLA this year.
Sark, on the other hand, simply would not have tolerated USC’s first half performance against UCLA, and would have made sure his Trojans were still fighting, and I mean fighting, to the bitter end.
Sarkisian is younger, hungry, yet seasoned, experienced and professional. He will know how to bring it.
And then there’s the spirituality of it all. Orgeron had no chance at being the head coach after the loss to UCLA. Going into the Rose Bowl next season after back to back losses, Orgeron has given the Bruins absolutely nothing to fear. They will be playing with a confidence and swagger.
With Sarkisian at the helm, USC now has a fresh start. He is the new “x-factor.” When the Bruins ride their confidence out onto the field next season, they are going to see an entirely new USC team. If there’s any advantage for the Trojans, it’s going to begin and end right there. With the coach.
Welcome back to the Trojan family, Steve Sarkisian. You are very welcome indeed!