USC players react to hiring of Steve Sarkisian
Los Angeles Times sports columnist Bill Plaschke gives his take on USC’s hiring of Steve Sarkisian as its permanent head football coach. Sarkisian, a former USC assistant, was coach at Washington for the last five seasons.
USC has not confirmed its choice of Steve Sarkisian as football coach, but Trojans players present and past have already weighed in on the choice via Twitter.
“It’s business,” wrote defensive tackle George Uko, who later added, “Felt like I just lost my father” -- presumably a reference to interim coach Ed Orgeron, the team’s defensive line coach, being passed over for the permanent job.
Star defensive lineman Leonard Williams, whose header photo at the top of his Twitter feed features himself and Orgeron, added:
This is hard.. ¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿— Leonard Williams (@LWtrojan94) December 2, 2013
Kenny Bigelow, another defensive lineman, lamented how the players learned of USC’s choice:
I hate the fact that the media told us first....— Kenny Bigelow (@4_Fighton_0) December 2, 2013
Tailback Justin Davis and a couple of prominent products of USC’s football program sounded hopeful:
I’m on board Sark was very close to getting me to come with him to U Dub— Justin Davis (@JD_22bsm) December 2, 2013
Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart wrote:
I think Sark is a great hire. I was with him for 4 of my 5 years at USC. Great recruiter, motivator and teacher! Really happy for him— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) December 2, 2013
Former Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley was supportive too -- but also mindful of Orgeron’s contributions:
Looks like @ADHadenUSC is bringing back Sarkisian, I like it!! I hope Coach O. stays tho #FightOn #USC— Matthew Barkley (@MattBarkley) December 2, 2013
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