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Mailbag: How will USC's athletics be directed?

You asked, I answered...
Adam Maya|
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC is at a crossroads both on and off the field. Its new president has been inaugurated, its head football coach is trying to save his job and a prime candidate to replace him will be in the house as the Trojans take on Utah on Friday at the Coliseum. Oh, and the game might decide the Pac-12 South champion. 

No better time than for a mailbag. Here we go...

Not sure what you mean by major crap -- how would you rate all the crap from this whole decade? -- but I've been told to expect a lot more change in the coming months. Lynn Swann didn't “get out early." USC got him out. New President Carol L. Folt has been conducting her own investigations into the recent athletic scandals at USC -- Bland, Operation Varsity Blues, the anonymous donor -- and anyone linked to these affairs will likely be let go. My sources tell me even football assistants have been informed to expect Folt to make her own hires throughout the athletic department.

I've been pressing this issue for some time. To be fair, the problem is not unique to USC. But when you're winning less than half your games -- the Trojans are 7-9 in their last 16 -- I don't know that there's a good defense for not playing guys who produce in practice and/or games. The coaches would tell you they play who they think gives them the best chance to win, which is sometimes code for who they trust most. The problem with that is the offensive and defensive systems from 2016-18 were admittedly too complicated. I thought we'd see more rotation on offense this season. Maybe it's coming. Defensively, they are using more guys in the secondary and on the defensive line. But I understand the general frustration. USC has seen more talent enter the transfer portal or waste away on the bench than most Pac-12 schools have on their entire rosters.

I know they're working on it. Couldn't give you a definitive timeline. Was told one of their primary candidates wouldn't be available till December. They've also been turned down by a few people. I would assume they want to fill the vacancy ASAP. This process started well before Swann "resigned."

At this point, I'd be surprised if he makes it past the next three games. If USC beats Utah, he could coach the entire regular season. The Trojans would be in the driver's seat in the division, after all. Because I don't expect that to happen, I think it's more likely that a change is made midseason. Look for the bye week if USC loses these next two.

I've been told he has a good chance of being the interim. Unless this offense starts putting up 55 points a game but USC loses in the process, I don't see the administration considering Harrell for that post. With that said, he will become a head coach, probably sooner rather than later. I think he'll be good too.

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Nope. Not going to happen so long as Vavae Malepeai is available (and Clay Helton is the head coach). Stepp could usurp Carr in terms of touches (they both had nine carries against BYU). But he's not going to be No. 1 without an injury reshuffling the deck.

This is interesting since he plays a good amount already. While some might still perceive him as an every-down back, he hasn't demonstrated that ability in two full years. It's been more than that since his career-best game. It's true that he's a complete back, and inarguably the team's best receiver out of the backfield. But the staff has noted he doesn't always have the stamina for this offense. He also isn't particularly decisive or powerful, which explains his ineffectiveness between the tackles vs. BYU. I think Carr can be a lot more useful on outside runs, but I don't know that this O-line is ideal for his running style. I'm guessing his role will really fluctuate from week to week.

Pros: a chance at salvaging the 2020 recruiting class and keeping QB Bryce Young on board; getting a head start on filling what feels like an inevitable vacancy; attracting AD candidates; improving attendance/renewing interest for the large contingent of anti-Helton USC fans, and they are many; an interim potentially upgrading the head coaching in 2019.

Cons: disrupting the locker room, and perhaps spoiling the players’ season.

I think she's well aware, and her comments from Friday's inauguration suggest as much. As for Jackson, he might not be viewed in that light by USC. I realize the consensus is different on USC Twitter. But Jackson's background involves much more than his years in Heritage and is much different than that of Garrett, Haden and Swann. I'm not here to propose/oppose him. Just telling you why he shouldn't be lumped in with the three previous ADs. This is someone who worked for Bill Belichick and has relevant administrative experience at two other major universities. I don't know that Jackson is the top choice, either. But he's under strong consideration.

Good question but tough to say. Most of them are new to me. If USC were to hire a defensive-minded head coach, I'd keep Harrell. Also like what I've seen from Drevno, Kauha'aha'a and Burns.

Too late.

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Didn't get your question in this time? I’ll be doing these regularly moving forward. Follow me on Twitter @AdamJMaya.

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