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USC could land one of the hottest names on the coaching market for offensive coordinator. NFL.com reporter Gil Brandt tweeted that USC is apparently the front runner to land Kliff Kingsbury as its offensive coordinator.
The college phones seem to be working as well. Was told by college HC that USC is now the clear front-runner for Kingsbury. As these things tend to go, stay tuned. But for now, USC in drivers seat with OC opening. https://t.co/RIflx20f2S
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) November 28, 2018
While it’s still early in the process, this is obviously positive news for the Trojans. Kingsbury was fired from Texas Tech Sunday morning after spending six seasons with the Red Raiders as their head coach. Kingsbury has received interested from many NFL teams. Brandt mentioned on his twitter account that NFL teams were blowing up his phone, however NFL teams don’t make coaching changes until after Week 17 of the season. That gives an advantage to USC and other college teams such as West Virginia, who just lost their offensive coordinator Jake Spavital to Texas Western on Wednesday evening.
To add to the hype, Arash Markazi of ESPN might have hinted that the Trojans could have an interview lined up with the former Texas Tech head coach sometime this week.
So Kingsbury wasn't on campus on Monday or Tuesday but I'd be on the lookout for a Ryan Gosling looking dude sometime this week.
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) November 28, 2018
The Trojans had a number of staff changes this week, which included letting go former wide receiver coach and offensive coordinator Tee Martin and quarterbacks coach Bryan Ellis leaving to become the offensive coordinator at Western Kentucky. After the Arizona State game, Clay Helton fired offensive line coach Neil Callaway, replacing him with current running backs coach Tim Drevno. Helton also assumed play calling duties for the Trojans through their last few games.
The USC offense was very disappointing during the Trojans’ 5-7 season. The Trojans ranked 10th in the Pac-12 in total offense and in many instances disappeared following a two score lead. Adding one of the bright offensive minds in college football to the staff could bring a jolt of energy that the Trojans need on that side of the ball. The thought of Kingsbury working with quarterback JT Daniels and weapons at the skills position in wide receivers Tyler Vaughns, Michael Pittman Jr., Amon-Ra St. Brown, Devon Williams, and running backs Stephen Carr, Vavae Malepeai, and Markese Stepp, is indeed a very entertaining thought for USC fans. Results also speak for themselves as well. The Red Raiders ranked 11th in total offense under Kingsbury in 2018 and never fell below S&P + during his time with Texas Tech per Reign of Troy.
Kingsbury was one of the most prolific quarterbacks during his time at Texas Tech playing under Mike Leach and the air raid offense from 1997-2002. In 2008 he joined the Houston Cougars coaching staff as offensive quality control. In 2010 Kingsbury was the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach before taking the offensive coordinating job at Texas A&M in 2012 and coaching Heisman trophy winner Johnny Manzel. The following season he was hired by Texas Tech to be its next head coach following the departure of Tommy Tuberville.
Again things are early in the process, however if Helton and USC want to turn things around offensively, then going after someone like Kingsbury would be going along the right path.