He's a smart quarterback who understands our offense. DEFENSIVE BACKS The good news in the secondary is that both starting safeties return. << 2004 USC 2006 USC >> 2005 USC Coaching Staff Head Coach: Pete Carroll Offensive Coordinator: Lane Kiffin & Steve Sarkisian Defensive Coordinator: Pete Carroll Other Assistant Coaches: Steve Sarkisian (QB Coach) Lane Kiffin (PGC/OC) Best Players on the 2005 USC Trojans Football Team QB Matt Leinart QB John David Booty RB Reggie Bush The Trojan special teams in 2003 were much-improved from previous years. [13], USC had what would be its closest game of the season against the unheralded Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium in their Pacific-10 Conference opener. "The reconstruction of our offensive line will be critical," said Carroll. The True Hiring Score or THS is compiled by a complex formula bringing together many different factors. He was sixth nationally in receptions (7.3, second in Pac-10) and 10th in receiving yards (101.1, third in Pac-10) in 2003. [33], The top-ranked Trojans visited the Bruins for their annual crosstown rivalry game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on the 75th anniversary of the first USC-UCLA game in 1929. USC then hosts Colorado State and travels to BYU and Stanford before having a trio of home games (California, Arizona and Washington) followed by a pair of road contests (Washington State and Oregon State). Oregon head coach Dan Lanning is still putting the finishing touches on his coaching staff with the Ducks while he prepares to coach Georgia's defense in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Michigan on Dec. 31. Also in the mix are sophomore ex-center Kurt Katnik (1 rec, 13 yds, 13.0 avg in 2003), plus walk-ons Nick Vanderboom, a sophomore, and senior Owen Hanson. Bush might also return punts. Defensively, Troy should be strong at linebacker and up the middle from front to back, while the ends and corners must be replaced. 3 wideout last fall, Whitney Lewis (3 rec, 27 yds, 9.0 avg in 2003, plus 3 tcb, 11 yds, 3.7 avg) and Chris McFoy (2 rec, 23 yds, 12.5 avg in 2003), senior Jason Mitchell (2 rec, 27 yds, 13.5 avg in 2003), and juniors Greig Carlson, who was USC's top punt returner last season (21 PR, 188 yds, 9.0 avg in 2003), and one-time cornerback William Buchanon (3 tac, 1 dfl, 1 int in 2003). Phone. 2006 USC Coaching Staff. Josh Henson, who has 23 years of coaching experience primarily in the SEC and Big 12 and has been part of a national championship staff, joined the USC staff as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in December of 2021. Losing that duo might not be as much of a concern as it appears, however, because their possible replacements are experienced seniors with plenty of starts under their belts. Fr., FB David Kirtman, Jr., FB Desmond Reed, Rs. [34] Reggie Bush scored on a pair of touchdown runs and totaled a career-best 335 all-purpose yards and placekicker Ryan Killeen kicked a USC and Pac-10 Conference game record 5 field goals. Matt Grootegoed, Sr. Oscar Lua, So. USC has its new head coach after a two-and-a-half-month search, delivering a resounding kaboom to a process that had been impressively quiet with no leaks coming from the school before the news broke Sunday that the Trojans had hired Oklahoma's Lincoln Riley. He ended up as the Trojans' leading tackler in 2003. His underrated, yet steady, ability-remember his highlight reel touchdown grabs against Michigan in last season's Rose Bowl-made it unwise for teams to double-cover Williams. [37], There was some controversy in the final team selections as the Auburn Tigers had also finished the regular season undefeated and won their bowl game, the Sugar Bowl, against the same Virginia Tech team USC defeated in the season opener; Auburn began the season ranked outside the top 15 and perhaps because of this they were unable to secure a spot in the national championship game,[38] although they did tie Oklahoma at No. [45], The NCAA found that Bush had received gifts from sports agents Lloyd Lake and Michael Michaels from at least December 2004 in violation of NCAA rules of amateurism. USC has accomplished this with a multi-pronged offensive attack that stresses efficiency and ball control, an aggressive defensive approach that thrives on getting turnovers and an effective, mistake-free kicking game. [24], USC became the first top-ranked team to visit Pullman, Washington, as the Trojans took on the Cougars at a sold-out Martin Stadium. He was 10th nationally in kickoff returns (27.3, first in Pac-10) and had a scoring runback. Other potential returners are junior tailback Hershel Dennis, who led USC in kickoff returns in 2002 (9 KOR, 151 yds, 16.8 avg), senior cornerback Kevin Arbet (4 PR, 19 yds, 4.8 avg in 2003), who led USC in punt returns in 2001 (25 PR, 225, yd, 9.0 avg), and junior cornerback Justin Wyatt (3 KOR, 41 yds, 13.7 avg in 2003). "Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson are the best defensive linemen in college football," said Carroll. Ronald Nunn (40 tac, 4 for loss, 3 sack, 1 int for a TD, 4 dfl, 1 FF, 3 FR with 1 for a TD in 2003), known for his big plays, started 3 times in 2002 and played often in extra defensive back formations last year. Also pushing for playing time at the corner spots will be juniors Justin Wyatt (10 tac in 2003, plus 3 rec, 20 yds, 6.7 avg and 3 KOR, 41 yds, 13.7 avg), who also saw some action at wide receiver last fall, and John Walker (3 tac, 1 dfl in 2003), and redshirt freshmen Eric Wright and Terrell Thomas, plus junior walk-ons Alex Gomez and Justin Tolliver. [36] The game also featured four out of five of the 2004 Heisman finalists with Leinart, White, Reggie Bush and Sooner running back Adrian Peterson, the Heisman runner-up. And of Troy's 77 offensive scoring drives in 2003, 59 took less than 3 minutes. ", USC will defend its national championship against a schedule that features 6 opponents who played in bowls last season. ", Head Coach Pete Carroll, 2023 University of Southern California Athletics, United Airlines Field at L.A. Memorial Coliseum, Allyson Felix Field at Loker Track Stadium & Colich Center. "We use our fullbacks in a variety of roles, not only as blockers and runners but as pass catchers," said Carroll. Last year, USC allowed just 1.2 sacks a game (its lowest average since 1987). Email. Last fall, the Trojans used a rotation of 3 young tailbacks that worked so well, look for more of the same in 2004. "It starts with a big-time opener against a premier program and never lets up. Fr. Head Coach: Pete Carroll (11-2) Offensive Coordinator: Steve Sarkisian (QB Coach) & Lane Kiffin (PGC) Defensive Coordinator: Nick Holt Other Assistant Coaches: Best Players on the 2006 USC Trojans Football Team. The 122 points he scored in 2003 were the second-most ever tallied at USC. The USC football coaching staff has been rounded out by Lincoln Riley with the hire of Josh Henson as offensive line coach late Sunday night. "Obviously, it would be great to get Mike Williams back," said Carroll. [10] The Trojans dominated the Rams en route to a 490 shut out, led by running back LenDale White who ran for 123 yards on 14 carries, scoring three touchdowns. Fr. The 41-year . "I'm confident that our players are getting the best coaching in the country. LOS ANGELES New USC football head coach Lincoln Riley has named his full-time assistant coaching staff. How much are Football Coaches Really Worth? "I am very excited to formally announce our coaching staff," said Riley. RUNNING BACKS USC is loaded once again at the running back spots. But there's a host of talented players hoping to fill the void: promising sophomores Steve Smith (17 rec, 319 yds, 18.8 avg, 2 TD in 2003), who was USC's No. [6] Days before the game, the NCAA declared star Trojans wide receiver Mike Williams ineligible to play after a failed attempt to join the NFL early, creating concern over whether the defending 2003 National Champions were prepared to try for another title. Nick Vanderboom, So. You won't find anyone better than Tom Malone or Ryan Killeen. He started all of 2002 and could win back his job in 2004. Each offers something different: Hershel Dennis brings stability, LenDale White brings power and Reggie Bush brings speed.". [28], USC clinched its third consecutive conference championship with a victory over the visiting Arizona Wildcats. Marco Chavez, Sr. Eugene Germany, In. Opponents averaged just 1.8 yards per carry against the Trojans last fall, a school record and 2003 national low. That. Inside Wide Receivers Coach. He changes the dynamic of the game when he's on the field. [2] The team captains were Shaun Cody, Matt Grootegoed and Matt Leinart.[3]. LINEBACKERS Collin Ashton, Jr. Mike Brittingham, So. The Trojans have done a superb job of getting turnovers under Carroll, as their +1.33 turnover margin and +111 takeaways the past 3 seasons are the best marks in the nation. The Trojans then return home to host Arizona and Notre Dame before concluding their season on "Championship Saturday" (Dec. 4) at UCLA. He went on to throw a Pac-10 record 38 TDs (1 shy of the NCAA sophomore mark). For a while, it appeared that Williams--who has 176 receptions for 2,579 yards and a USC record 30 touchdowns in his 2-year career--would not return in 2004 after taking advantage of a court ruling to leave after his sophomore year for the NFL. "The key for us this year will be whether we can return to the work ethic that made it possible to have the success we've had the past few years. As a 2002 freshman, he set NCAA frosh records for receiving yards (1,265) and TD catches (14) and the Pac-10 frosh mark for receptions (81). Only the second sophomore (along with Stanford's John Elway) to be named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, Leinart threw for 3,556 yards and a Pac-10 record 38 touchdowns (with only 9 interceptions) last fall while finishing third nationally in passing efficiency (a USC record 164.5 rating). Matt Cassel, Sr. Brandon Hance, Sr. Billy Hart, Jr. Rocky Hinds, In. Other key defenders returning with starting experience include linebacker Dallas Sartz (6 starts), end Frostee Rucker (5 starts), and cornerbacks Ronald Nunn and Kevin Arbet (he missed 2002 and most of 2003 with a foot injury). QB John David Booty; QB Mark Sanchez; RB Chauncey Washington; RB C.J. USC belongs at the top of college football, and this coaching staff is going to be instrumental in making that happen. [32] Trailing 103, USC scored the final 38 points. The Trojans returned a kickoff for a TD for the first time since 1998. Is Coach Ken Niumatalolo on the Hot Seat? [2] Despite low expectations, the Bruins were able to shut down Leinart and give the Trojans a close game that was not decided until the final minutes. 2008 Rose Bowl #13 Illinois (9-3) vs #6 USC (10-2) 1st half. USC has intercepted a pass in 22 of the last 23 games, held 20 of its past 26 opponents to less than 100 rushing yards (and allowed only 1 player to crack the 100-yard rushing barrier in the last 25 contests) and had a stretch of 22 consecutive quarters without allowing a rushing touchdown. The junior finished sixth in last year's Heisman Trophy and was only the second sophomore (along with Stanford's John Elway) to win Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year honors. "Gregg Guenther and Dominique Byrd were outstanding last season and getting Alex Holmes back really strengthens the position.". (Simon Park | Daily Trojan) QUARTERBACKS John David Booty, So. The 2004 AP title, however, remains in place. At fullback, fleet junior Brandon Hancock (1 tcb, -2 yds, -2.0 avg in 2003, plus 13 rec, 160 yds, 12.3 avg, 2 TD), a tough blocker and excellent receiver, was expected to return as the starter, but he'll miss 2004 while recuperating from knee surgery. [16] It was the first time since 1968 that the teams met when both were ranked and it also was the highest-ranked Cal squad USC had faced since 1952,[6] also the last time the two programs were ranked in the top ten. In his first two years at . [6], The Trojans prevailed over the Beavers in a tight game in heavy fog at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. USC wound up being stripped of all wins in 2004 and 2005 and its BCS national championship in 2004. [6] Matt Leinart passed for a career-high 400 yards and a school record-tying five touchdowns Saturday, leading the top-ranked Trojans to a 4110 victory and adding a highlight performance to his ultimately successful Heisman campaign. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Some school's results have been altered by retroactive NCAA penalties. The talk will be inevitable, and understandably so. "Darnell Bing is headed for greatness and Jason Leach does such a solid job back there," said Carroll. The official Football Coach List for the University of Southern California Trojans The official Football Coach List for the University of Southern California Trojans Football Coaches - USC Athletics Skip To Main Content USC Athletics Main Navigation Menu In the hunt for the tackle jobs are sophomore Kyle Williams, redshirt freshmen Sam Baker, Drew Radovich and Matt Spanos, plus incoming 370-pound junior Taitusi Lutui (Snow Junior College in Ephraim, Utah), a J.C. All-American. Also, junior tackle Winston Justice, who from his right side spot protects Leinart's blind side, was slated to start for his third year and be an All-American candidate. Lincoln Riley is doing a lot of great things. Fred Davis graduated a semester early from Rogers High in Toledo, Ohio, and enrolled at USC this past spring. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. USC's 2014 coaching staff is rare in that it features two coaches who won bowl games in 2013neither of whom are the head coach. Is Coach Rick Stockstill on the Hot Seat? Last season, he had 95 catches for 1,314 yards and a USC record 16 TDs. We understand that we'll always see our opponents at their best. After the regular season, the University of Mississippi hired USC Assistant Head Coach Ed Orgeron, who also served as Defensive Line Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, to be the new head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels football team; although hired on December 16, 2004, he remained with USC through the Orange Bowl.[42]. Joining the tackles in the fall as a freshman is prep All-American Lawrence Miles (La Quinta High in La Quinta, Calif.). He has an excellent staff of assistant coaches, including 8 from last year-offensive coordinator Norm Chow (the 2002 Broyles Award winner as the nation's top assistant), defensive line coach/recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron (named the nation's top recruiter in 2004), Tim Davis (offensive line), Greg Burns (secondary), Lane Kiffin (wide receivers/passing game coordinator), Rocky Seto (he moved from safeties to linebackers this year), Brennan Carroll (tight ends) and Dennis Slutak (special teams)-and 3 newcomers in quarterbacks coach Carl Smith (he has 32 years of experience, including 11 years as an NFL offensive coordinator) and ex-NFL stars Todd McNair (running backs) and Ken Norton Jr. (linebackers). [32] The Trojans set a record for home wins (including pre-Coliseum), with their 21st victory; coincidentally, the previous team to defeat them at home were the Stanford Cardinal then-under Coach Willingham. Head Coach: Pete Carroll(13-0)Offensive Coordinator: Norm ChowDefensive Coordinator: Other Assistant Coaches: Lane Kiffin (WR Coach) Ed Oregeron (AHC/DL/RC). "I truly believe we have put together an elite group of coaches that will help build this football program back to national prominence. [29] LenDale White ran for 118 yards and three touchdowns while Matt Leinart passed for 280 yards and three more scores; the game guaranteed USC a spot in, at worst, the Rose Bowl[30], After two weeks off, the Trojans were visited by the rival Fighting Irish, led by Coach Tyrone Willingham, in the inter-sectional rivalry for the Jeweled Shillelagh. (213) 740-4204. Jr. Keith Rivers, In. "But we need to establish some depth at both safety positions, so some players will have to step forward.". We also have some talented young players who can make a mark.". He led the nation in punting for 5 consecutive weeks in the middle of the 2003 campaign and would have finished as the leader (by 1.0 yards), but the efficiency of USC's offense left him 5 punts shy of having the NCAA-required minimum 3.6 punts per game. He assumed control of the job immediately and soon was playing like a veteran. Fr., OT Ross Burruel, Jr., C Jeff Byers, In. The electrifying Bush earned Freshman All-American first team honors as he set the USC freshman all-purpose yardage record (1,331 yards) and, as a hold-your-breath-when-he-gets-the-ball runner, had 24 plays of 20-plus yards in 2003. The Bruins, having come off a three-week break of consecutive bye weeks, came into the game as serious underdogs in the Victory Bell. Junior Dallas Sartz (60 tac, 6 for loss, 2 sack, 4 dfl, 1 blk P in 2003) assumes the starting strongside job. The AP released a statement saying that USC will keep its 2004 AP title. "That's how we're looking at it. "I'm excited about this coaching staff," said Carroll. [21] USC quickly put the game out of reach, scoring 42 points in the first half behind 4 touchdown passes Matt Leinart and school single game record-tying 3 scoring grabs by Dwayne Jarrett.