Since taking over for the fired Lane Kiffin in September, Ed Orgeron has led USC on an impressive turnaround, winning five of their last six games including Saturday’s upset over Stanford.
Despite his success, Orgeron still holds the interim tag while USC athletic director Pat Haden interviews potential candidates. Broncos interim coach Jack Del Rio, a former All-American linebacker at USC, is one of those candidates, and he confirmed an interview took place.
Orgeron learned of the Del Rio interview through the media, and told ConquestChronicles.com that he doesn't really care.
“That’s the first I’ve heard about that, and I really don’t care. I know [Haden] has a job to do, and I know he’s going to go out there and interview the best guys available for USC. My focus is really celebrating our big win against Stanford, being with our coaches, doing the best job I can for USC and focusing on Colorado.
That’s all I can do, and that’s really important to me. I’d rather be in this position… being with the Trojans, than being in any other position.”
Del Rio interviewed for the job during Denver’s bye week, telling the AP that the situation “was handled the proper way. [USC] contacted the Broncos, got permission, and we did it in a manner where they came out here and visited with me during our bye week so it wouldn't disrupt anything.”
On an appearance on "CFB Daily" on ESPNU, Orgeron expressed his desire for the job.
"I want to be the head coach at USC," Orgeron said Monday. "I love being a head coach. I think that it's something I'm able to do, and do well. And I want to be the head coach at USC when I get the chance. I think I can perform on a very high basis to do what the Trojan family wants me to do."
Haden told reporters he wouldn't speak publicly about the coaching search until a new hire was made. Along with Del Rio and Orgeron, Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin is the other name that has been often linked to the position.
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H/T SB Nation
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