The subject of the USC head coaching job still seems to be a sore one for Ed Orgeron.
Orgeron had two stints as an assistant coach at USC. The first was from 1998-2004, with the second part of that term being under Pete Carroll when the Trojans had a serious dynasty. The second stint came in 2010-2013 when Orgeron returned as part of Lane Kiffin’s staff.
After Kiffin was fired during the 2013 season, Orgeron took over the program on an interim basis and led the Trojans to a 6-2 record. Despite the strong finish and fan support, Orgeron was passed over for the head coaching job in favor of former Carroll assistant, Steve Sarkisian. Sark lost the job amid an alcohol scandal last year, while Orgeron is now successfully serving as the interim head coach at LSU.
During an interview on “Russillo and Kanell” on ESPN Radio Friday, Orgeron was asked about USC, and he clearly still has strong feelings about the subject.
“I’m home. I think everything happens for a reason. I’m better off at LSU, I’m with my people,” Orgeron told Russillo and Kanell. “Maybe I’m not the country club they want and, you know what, to (heck) with them.”
Clearly Orgeron still has some resentment over the matter, which is no surprise given his reported reaction to the hire. The Trojans now are being led by Clay Helton and still have not returned to their previous dominance seen under Carroll. Meanwhile, the success Orgeron is having now at LSU could lead to him getting the permanent job at LSU, or possibly receiving consideration for another head coaching job.
Ultimately it seems that Orgeron’s 10-25 stint as the head coach at Ole Miss has severely impaired his ability to get a head coaching job at another big time school.
