Perhaps the most coveted position in college football became available this weekend with the firing of Lane Kiffin. A blowout at the hands of Arizona State was the last straw for USC athletic director Pat Haden and his advisors, who made the decision at halftime to relieve Kiffin of his duties, according to the L.A. Daily News.
When Kiffin was hired in 2010, USC lost its spot as the most successful program in college football. After having lost no more than two games in seven of eight seasons, the Trojans went 28-15. Last year the team was one defeat away from finishing below .500 for the first time since 2000.
With the firing occurring in the first month of the 2013 season, USC has plenty of time to make a hire, and numerous candidates to consider for their next head coach. A few big names have already emerged as potential targets for Haden.
Jack Del Rio
The former USC player may be the early favorite to take over for Kiffin. Del Rio is an attractive option for the Trojans, who’ve had a history of hiring NFL coaches. Del Rio made a few playoff appearances as the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach and helped turn the Denver Broncos into a top defensive unit as a coordinator. According to Gil Brandt of nfl.com, Del Rio’s clean background makes him an ideal candidate in eyes of Hayden.
Del Rio is reportedly set to remain with the Broncos for the rest of the season, but that might not be a problem for USC. Accepting the head coaching position at a top program would be an upgrade for the 50-year-old, and it’d give him the opportunity to succeed in college, something he’s yet to do in his career.
Jeff Fisher
He’s just begun his second season with the St. Louis Rams, but Fisher could be a top target. Even before Kiffin was fired, there had been rumors that Fisher would be the favorite to be the Trojans next head coach. In early September, ESPN’s Ted Miller reported that the 55-year-old could top USC’s list of replacements. Travis Haney of ESPN confirmed the report.
At this point, the level of interest may be one-sided. Fisher is a USC alumnus, having won a national championship in 1978. However, he has never coached at the college ranks, spending almost 30 years in the NFL. He helped the Rams make a five-win improvement in 2012, and isn’t likely to bolt for another job any time soon.
Jon Gruden
Whenever a top NFL or college coaching position becomes available, Gruden’s name is mentioned among the most likely candidates. This time is no different, with the Super Bowl winner bound to be at the center of USC coaching rumors. It’s hard to imagine the school not wanting Gruden if he expressed any interest in the job. He’s had success in the NFL and spent five years as an assistant in college.
Gruden, however, hasn’t given any indications recently that he’s ready to return to the sidelines. Since he last coached in 2008, he’s been approached by several college and NFL teams, but remains an analyst for Monday Night Football.
USC Football Coach Search: Pat Haden To Target NFL Head Coaches Jon Gruden, Jack Del Rio, Or Jeff Fisher As Top Candidates?
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