Jack Del Rio: USC Savior?

Can (former?) Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio swoop in and save USC? I don’t see why not. As a matter of fact, I think he can be great for USC.  Pete Carroll is leaving some awfully big flip-flops to fill, but Del Rio should be able to step in and fill them nicely.

Instead of focusing on what the mighty Carroll did in his time in LA it’s time to think of what Del Rio can do to fix certain things and keep the Trojan Train rolling.

Del Rio played linebacker at USC, so he has the connections to the area, which should give him a leg up in recruiting. Not to mention he has "the look."

For those who discount the importance of looks, think about it this way: Pete Carroll, Urban Meyer, Nick Saban, Bob Stoops, and Mack Brown have great recruiting classes year in and year out. Sure their universities help them, but Del Rio will still be recruiting for USC.

If a settlement can be reached for the remaining $15 million on Del Rio’s Jacksonville contract he’ll make waves in the USC pool soon. Del Rio will have complications, of course. Trying to convince Carroll’s recruits to stay, and there is that slight problem with the NCAA investigations.

The NCAA investigation not withstanding, I see no reason why Del Rio can’t be incredibly successful. He’s taking over the reins of the decade’s most successful program. He’s being given the keys to the kingdom of a team that could compete with some NFL teams right now, and honestly, defeat a select few. It isn’t like Del Rio is taking over a rebuilding project. He’s undertaking a remodeling project.

You hear the analogy often in sports. He’s been given the keys to a Porsche and been told not to crash it. With a few of the problems, we’ll downgrade that a little.

Del Rio needs to hire a staff. He has the resources to do so. He needs to get to work on installing his offense, if it changes at all from what it has been.

For those complaining about the loss of Carroll: It’s time to move on; he’s gone. Never forget, though, LA hated it when Carroll was hired. 

In Jack Del Rio you aren’t getting Pete Carroll 2.0; you’re getting Jack Del Rio. There is a big difference. It is a difference that you’ll notice. 

Del Rio won’t give you the impression he’s a college kid; he’ll be the disciplinarian. He won't be the buddy; he’ll be the father.

While certain things happened in the past, there is a good chance some of them won’t now. I’m not saying he’s a better coach. I’m simply saying he’s a different coach. Carroll lost the games he should have easily won. Carroll was incredibly laid-back. Del Rio brings a different kind of intensity. Maybe some of those let-downs won’t happen.

I’m not a Trojan, nor have I ever claimed to be. I’m just saying, instead of losing your mind, Trojan fans, embrace the opportunity you have.

Pete left. He’s not coming back. Don’t make Jack feel like he isn’t wanted. Give him a shot and give him some time. If he hoists a BCS trophy, you’ll forget we had this conversation.