The University of Southern California (USC) has hired Steve Sarkisian as their new head football coach, according to reports from multiple news outlets.
ESPN cited "multiple sources" saying Sarkisian, Washington's head football coach since 2009, is set to be the Trojans' next permanent head coach. Sarkisian was among candidates that included Vanderbilt's James Franklin and, presumably, interim hed coach Ed Orgeron.
Sarkisian was an assistant at USC from 2001 to 2003 and from 2005 to 2008. He has been Washington's head football coach since 2009. As Pete Carroll's assistant head coach, the Trojans were 74-15, going 22-3 while Sarkisian was the team's offensive coordinator.
Sarkisian also got to work with USC quarterbacks and Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. Between stints at USC, Sarkisian became the quarterback coach for the Oakland Raiders and in 2004, his only season there, the team combined for more than 4,000 passing yards, ranking eight in the NFL that year.
Despite his passing game prowess (he also coached Jake Locker at Washington), Sarkisian also had a 1,000-yeard rusher in each of the five seasons he was at Washington.
USC athletic director Pat Haden reportedly interviewed Sarkisian over the weekend and was also considering candidates like Jack Del Rio, Franklin and Orgeron. Orgeron told the Los Angeles Times and other reporters he spoke with Haden after Saturday's loss to UCLA about recruiting and the game, not about the vacant head coach position.
Orgeron was vocal about his desire to be the next permanent head coach of the Trojans and made a solid case, leading the team to a 6-2 record after the firing of Lane Kiffin. Still, the school reportedly told Orgeron they appreciated his efforts and asked him to stay on in some capacity going forward, according to ESPN.
CBS Sports cited "sources close to the coach" who said Sarkisian was reluctant to leave his position at Washington, but ultimately could not pass up the USC job when it was offered to him.
