When Pete Carroll was hired by USC in 2000, he, along with some top-notch assistants, guided the program from mediocrity back to national prominence, winning the National Championship in 2004 and finishing as runner-up in 2005.
Steve Sarkisian, a seven-year USC assistant under Carroll, was hired as the new Trojans head coach Monday, and the decision pushed another former Carroll assistant, Ed Orgeron, to resign from his position as interim coach.
Carroll, now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, was asked about Sarkisian's hire after Seattle's Monday night win over New Orleans.
“I’m thrilled for him. This is a life-long dream for him. As a kid that grew up in Southern California, there’s no coach that they could have hired that understands L.A. better and what that’s all about. That’s my opinion," Carroll said.
“He has a tremendous sense for the area and the schools and the coaches and the traditions and all of that. It’s why it was such a big deal for him to get this opportunity. He had a great time here in Washington. He loved it and did a great job with them, but it’s just a chance to go home and do it at a great university."
Carroll also touched on the job Orgeron did as interim coach, leading the Trojans to a 6-2 record after Lane Kiffin was fired early in the season.
“Eddie Orgeron did an incredible job. I thought it was one of the most incredible illustrations of leadership and direction and an amazing ability to turn something like that. I’m so impressed with what he did," Carroll said. "It’s unfortunate that he didn't get the job, but there’s only one spot there. So I’m sure Eddie is going to do something great, too.”
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