In five years at Washington, Steve Sarkisian went 34-29, and led the team to four straight bowls. (Tom Hauck/AP)
Guest post by Oscar McBride
Usually, I could give a rip or waste the time and energy on anything that happens at USC, but given the recent developments of Coach Sarkisian’s return to the Southland I couldn’t resist jotting down a couple of thoughts as things progress throughout the week.
I predicted Sark’s return to USC back in 2009… not soon after he left for U-Dub. Having the common sense understanding that Lane Kiffin was nothing more than a program band-aid and unfortunately for SC the only one dumb enough to take the vacancy left by Carroll amidst NCAA sanctions – it made sense that the only viable candidate for the job was Sark… I mean… as soon as the smoke cleared from the NCAA allegations and Reggie Bush was done with his Kardashian fix all bets in LA were off.
If you remember; Sark was a part of the two-headed offensive coordinating monster under Carroll that won two Nattys in the early 2000’s. Hmmmm… let’s see – one of the two (Kiffin) has had three head coaching jobs (none particularly mind-blowing) and has left nothing but turmoil and destruction in his wake much like that of a category six hurricane. So much so that all…and I mean ALL of the programs (Oakland, Tennessee & USC) he’s left still ache from the aftermath of his presence.
Now the other… let’s see – has an impeccable reputation and has been credited with rebuilding a decimated Washington program being bowl-eligible in four of his five seasons there. Although some of the impatient ones in Seattle were ready to hit the panic button, they have to realize Sarkisian inherited a 0-12 team that was at the bottom of the then Pac-10. I mean… you’re Washington for cryin out loud… you can’t expect miracles overnight!
At the end of the day Sark’s record speaks for itself. Good job Pat Haden.
Some of the pseudo-SC fans may even challenge the intelligence of Sark’s hiring given that now he has to clean up his colleagues mess. Duh… go figure.
As one of my coaching colleagues says: “Bruh… listen…”
I may not be a smart man, and my opinion may not be worth much more than the Word document I’m typing it on, but I know that if Sarkisian can take U-Dub from 0-12 to a bowl-eligible program we should all expect great things upon his return to the Land of Troy. The only question remaining is: “Will SC be able to keep Coach Orgeron for their foreseeable recruiting future?”
From the perspective of this Domer… let’s hope not. Orgeron’s recruiting genius coupled with Sarkisian’s offensive play-calling prowess and leadership could present a HUGE problem. Here’s an even better question presented on behalf of my Domer faithful… “Coach Kelly… do you have Coach O’s phone number?”
Sport is Life
Oscar McBride
To learn more about Oscar McBride and his current projects please follow him on Twitter or check out his web site!
Her Loyal ... Daughter
Lisa Kelly is a multidimensional marketing professional. She has over two decades of marketing experience and earned a bachelor of business administration and marketing from the University of Notre Dame (Class of 1993 ... Siegfried Hall!). She is a Digital Publishing Manager by day and by night is writing her third book, a continuation of "Echoes From the End Zone: The Men We Became" and its sequel "The Men We Became: MORE Echoes From the End Zone." In 2012, Lisa was crowned the "Biggest Fan of the Big East" in a blogging and social media contest, representing Notre Dame.
Read all posts by Lisa
- Breaking Discoveries in CTE Research? - March 12, 2018
- A Football Player’s Lucky Charm? - February 22, 2018
- Part II: From Football to Coffee Beans? - January 31, 2018
We do know for sure that Coach O is no longer a concern. He resigned yesterday.