Less than a week after Alabama won the National Championship, the College football off season has begun, and I can't remember one more crazy than this. Already we've seen Pete Carroll leave USC for the NFL, Tommy Tuberville take over Texas Tech after the Mike Leach controversy, Lane Kiffin leave Tennessee, and South Florida's search for a new coach. Lets break all of this down in one post:
Pete Carroll leaves USC for the Seattle Seahawks: After 9 outstanding years at SC, Pete Carroll has decided to go back to the NFL. Carroll had a mildly successful career in the NFL, going 33-31 with two playoff appearances in 4 years with the Jets and Patriots. If Carroll was ever going to leave the Trojans, now would probably be the right time, as they are under investigation from the NCAA for "improper benefits" possibly given to former running backs Reggie Bush and Joe McKnight. Had Carroll stayed at USC, he could have gone down as one of the best college coaches ever. Instead, I think he'll have a some what successful career with the Seahawks.
Tommy Tuberville Takes Over at Texas Tech: Going form Leach to Tuberville is a drastic change of philosophy. Texas Tech will some how have to transform from an offensive centric, run and shoot team, to a defensive team focusing on running the football (possibly a pro-style offense) which Tuberville's teams are known for. I don't think Tech has the right personnel to do this and it could get ugly for a couple of years (see Michigan).
Lane Kiffin Leaves Tennessee to take over USC: After one year at Tennessee filled with trash talk to other SEC programs and questionable recruiting tactics, Lane Kiffin has uprooted for LA. After a successful season in which the Vols nearly knocked off future national champion Alabama, played competitive against Florida, and lost the Chick-fil-a bowl to Virginia Tech to finish 7-6, Kiffin has decided to leave a program he was about to bring back to national prominence, to take over the Trojan's program. Kiffin is very familiar with USC, as he was formerly their offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator under Carroll. I think this is a good hire for SC. He is a bright, young coach who has had success as a head coach and is familiar with the program. Along with him, he brings his dad, Monte, the defensive mastermind who was formerly the Buccaneers D-Coordinator, and Ed Orgeron, the former Ole Miss head coach and reciting coordinator.
South Florida hires East Carolina coach Skip Holtz: After 5 seasons at East Carolina which included the last 2 Conference USA titles, Skip Holtz will take over the South Florida program. S. Florida has been a program on the rise the last few years, under Jim Levitt, who was controversially fired for allegedly slapping a player in the face. Holtz is a good young coach with experience, and should succeed in the talent rich state of Florida.
Tennessee Begins Search for New Coach: After Lane Kiffin bolted from Tennessee, the Vols are in search of a new coach. Their first choice, Texas defensive coordinator and coach in waiting Will Muschamp has already turned down their offer. The search will now turn to Duke head coach (and former UT offensive coordinator) David Cutcliffe.
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