Steve Sarkisian has begun his tenure as head coach of the USC Trojans by retaining offensive coordinator Clay Helton and his next move will try to do the same with Ed Orgeron.

Pat Haden, athletic director at the University of Southern California (USC) hired Sarkisian as the Trojan's next permanent head football coach on Dec. 2. Speaking on ESPN LA's "Trojan Bunch" show, Sarkisian said he will try to retain Orgeron as the team's defensive coordinator.

"I am going to pursue Ed here one more time," Sarkisian said. "I thought about him again after the game on the ride home. I think when emotions get settled down, and I know that was an emotional time for Ed and not getting named the head coach when he thought he should have been deservedly so, I would have felt the same way."

Orgeron took over after Lane Kiffin was fired five games into the season. Since their meager 3-2 start, Orgeron led the Trojans to a 6-2 record, losing to Notre Dame and UCLA. Orgeron was vocal about his desire to be the next head coach and resigned after Sarkisian was hired, leading to Helton taking over as the next interim head coach.

Helton led the Trojans to a Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl win against Fresno State before confirming he will return as the team's offensive coordinator.

Orgeron has proven he can motivate his players and Sarkisian will want that for his defense, especially since improper benefits allegations surfaced around Tosh Lupoi. Sarkisian planned to bring Lupoi, his defensive line coach from Washington to USC, but he is being investigated for allegedly paying for online tutoring for a recruit.

"I learned of the allegations this past Friday and I was obviously surprised by them," Sarkisian told ESPN Los Angeles. "I think this potential allegation could affect not only Tosh's future at USC but moving forward anywhere."

Orgeron's resignation was likely a sign that he felt strongly for his candidacy and was hurt by not being hired. His coaching energy was passionate and several players responded, saying they wanted Orgeron to be their coach.

"When the emotions settle down, Ed's a great Trojan and he's meant a lot to the Trojan family and if we can have that opportunity for him to be part of this football program and be here with us," Sarkisian said, "we'd love to have him."