The "X" Factor In The Search For The Next USC Head Coach

As the end of the Pete Carroll era at USC nears, it is now time to move on to the next chapter.

With the recruiting season winding down, and Trojan verbal commits dropping like flies, it is imperative that Mike Garrett, the USC athletic director, act rapidly and with conviction.

Hiring a big name head coach is only part of the equation for the Trojans.

Maintaining continuity between the existing staff, the new regime, and the recruits who are still in the fold is just as important.

Robert Woods, the all-everything wide receiver from Serra High, has recently gone on record as saying he intends to stay a Trojan. Same with Anthony Brown.

Meanwhile, Kyle Prater from Illinois is just one of many that will start looking elsewhere.

Whatever the Trojans hope to salvage from this recruiting class must be dealt with now.

This is not to say that this years recruiting class should be sole motivation in a rapid hire.

But it is a factor, and one that should be considered as Garrett moves forward in the process.

Of course, making the right hire for the long run is the predominant factor in Garrett's decision.

As prominent names such as Mike Riley and Chris Peterson are bandied about, there is one other name that should be considered front and center as well. Perhaps not for the head coaching position right now, but with assurances in the future that he will be favorably considered.

That name is Ken Norton.

In addition to being a fine defensive mind, the man is a hell of a recruiter.

Ken Norton has been in on almost every Trojan recruit, and if anyone can salvage this recruiting class it is Norton.

Ken Norton is at least ready to become an assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.

To make that part of the new head coaches deal shouldn't be much of an obstacle.

For Norton himself, it would let him know that he is wanted and needed.

If the new Trojan head coach is of an advanced age, Norton can be groomed for the position in the future.

More importantly, Ken Norton can serve as a bridge between the Carroll era and the new regime.

The retention of Ken Norton should be focused on just as much as this search for a new head coach.

Are you listening Mike Garrett?