Lane Kiffin is no stranger to controversy. Over the past 14 months as head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, he has committed at least 3 NCAA violations.
USC is no stranger to controversy either. The school is under investigation for a slew of NCAA violations involving Reggie Bush and Joe McKnight. McKnight has allegedly been driving an SUV owned by a California businessman, a violation of NCAA rules. Bush has been sued by Lloyd Lake for allegedly accepting $300,000 in gifts during his time at USC.
So what does this all mean? This leaves Tennessee in a real bind. They have no head coach, and a bunch of recruits who have only verbally committed to the school. This means that they they did not sign a letter of intent, meaning they are free to decommit and choose a school of their liking, including USC. Tennessee must now frantically search for a head coach, even though most of the talented ones are gone. My guess is they hire Mike Leach, who has filed a lawsuit against Texas Tech after they fired a few weeks ago.
Lane Kiffin must pay Tennessee $800,000 for leaving his contract at Tennessee. Then he is off to USC to become their next head coach after Pete Carrol left to become head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. So the question remains, why did Lane Kiffin take this job? Well it is a higher profile job then Tennessee, who has not won the SEC since 1998. USC has been a powerhouse in the PAC-10 under Carroll, winning at least a share of 2 National Titles and 7 PAC-10 titles. USC is the cream of the crop right now. And the cast Kiffin is surrounding himself with is incredible. His Dad, Monte, will join him as defensive coordinator after he left the NFL to be with Lane at Tennessee last year. Ed Orgeron will also be on his defensive staff. It has been rumored that Norm Chow will leave UCLA and head to USC to become their offensive coordinator. Chow had that position while Carrol was their but left for UCLA 2 years ago.
But these sanctions are still hanging over USC. What will happen after these investigations are over is anyone's guess. But if they tie Lane Kiffins hands, he is going to have a difficult time getting USC back to where it was.
USC has won 1 national title btw...or I guess really 1.5.
ReplyDeleteWork on your grammar LJ. It is poor. Also, provide your thoughts rather than essentially providing a summary, that is what people want to read. As for Lane Kiffin, the guy is a clown. He has not proved anything during any of his coaching tenures and has caused nothing but trouble along the way. Hopefully these young athletes see through the shit that continually comes out of his mouth and venture elsewhere. If not, I wish those kids nothing but the worst of luck.
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