Ever since the USC Trojans parted ways with Lane Kiffin they have seemed to enjoy themselves much more and there are a few reasons for that.

 

 

The first is obviously because they are winning and the second is because the players and staff connect with interim head coach Ed Orgeron.  Orgeron is the anti Kiffin.  He has a totally different demeanor and style of doing things.  His style has seemed to work at just about every turn as the Trojans have turned a disastrous start into a pretty successful season.  The only blemish on the recent resume’ of Orgeron was a four point loss at Notre Dame.  Since then, the Trojans have played inspired football and finished last week with a huge win at home against the number-4 ranked Stanford Cardinals.

 

That begs the question; will Pat Haden and USC have the wherewithal to promote Orgeron to the head coaching position permanently once the season is over?

 

All we have been hearing about since Kiffin got the boot was what big time name would USC bring in to revive the program.  Names like Jack Del Rio, John Gruden and Kevin Sumlin seem to pop up at every turn.  From all accounts, USC wants a name coach to restore their once untouchable legacy.

 

The one thing I think that most people are overlooking is what Orgeron has been able to do in such a short period of time.  The players have their swagger back.  That had been missing this enter season.  They are having fun as football players and it shows.  They seem to respond to him at every turn.  I don’t think that should go unnoticed when a decision is being made on who the coach should be.  Why bring in someone who might not work with your parameters when you already have someone there who knows how to make it go.  I don’t think the name should ever have anything to do with the decision that will be made.  It should be about style and success and who the kids will respond to.

 

I know that Orgeron didn’t have any success as a head man the first time around but this looks and feels different from his Ole’ Miss days.  He is much more prepared for this responsibility now.

 

All that leaves us with is the question if USC feels like Orgeron isn’t high profile enough for the job.  To me, it shouldn’t be about that.  You shouldn’t hire a guy just to win the press conference.  You hire a guy who can recruit and be successful in what you are trying to do as a university.

 

I think Orgeron is that guy and deserves that opportunity.  He has paid his dues and has done the work to lead the Trojans back to the forefront of college football.