PETE CARROL IS GONE. LANE SOMEBODY IS IN?

Lane who? The new couch of the USC Trojans, LA's 'pro' football team. I'm sorry, Kiffner? I'm watching TV, and there's a news break, “Pete Carroll new coach of the Seahawks, Lane Somebody is taking over the Trojans.” What? Kliffins? Guy's been one season with the Tennessee Vols, and took the Raiders to a what? 5-15 record? Pete Carroll's replacement? What the hell?

Kind of sudden. Just like that. USC has an off season, and boom, new coach. Has to be more to this.

Okay, here is Southern Cal, with a $300 plus million football program at stake, somebody, Boosters or whoever, must have put some thought into this. You'd think. It was news to me.

So I did some digging. New guy's been here before. He was a coach under Pete Carroll for five years when USC was winning national championships. Good sign. USC thinks so. Good enough to pay off the $800 grand left on his contract with Tennessee. He looks a little like Carroll. No football build, more like from the drama club. But then in football seems the players make okay announcers but NOT coaches. Remember the Raider's Art Shell, Matt Millen with the Lions. It might work in baseball, but not football.

Don't know about Carroll leaving. Seemed sudden, but maybe Carroll asked for a bigger pay check? What with NCAA sanctions coming up, and a less than stellar season, recruiting might be down? But he's going back to the NFL? Not a successful place for Pete; remember when he was with the Jets and the Pats. He didn't see much Gatorade. Or is nine years with USC long enough in one place? Perhaps he still has something to prove in the NFL?

Who again, Lane Kliffern? He's bringing along his father, Monte, as a defensive coordinator, and maybe Norm Chow, from UCLA? Or will Chow follow Carroll to Seattle? Supposed to be some kind of rift between Norm and Pete. Whatever, I don't think success comes from the sidelines, anyway. Good players win games. Sure, motivation is part of it, one more for the Gipper, but if USC cannot put away the Pac-10, then football fans here will start thinking Jaguars, or Bills, maybe the Rams again for the Colosseum. No Booster wants that. No mention of the NFL while Pete Carroll was producing national champions. Maybe it's time. How about Al Davis coming back? All depends on this new guy.

Hold on, I'll get it right, Kiffin. Lane Kiffin. I'm thinking, give him a chance. Sure, Carroll will be a tough act to follow. Pete was no great shakes before he arrived at USC either, but after nine years what did he win? 85% of his games. Not bad. Who doesn't want a winner?

Recruiting is key. USC did better than I expected with a freshman QB, but the team needs defense. Last year's defensive line is playing now in the NFL. Quick turnover in college football. Coach has to cope with college mentalities, and stay away from NCAA sanctions. Can the new coach survive all this? Keep from fumbling? Big spotlight, LA.

Bottom line: If Mr Kiffin losses his first three games, he's out. Then maybe we can get Eric Mangini from Cleveland. If dreadful NFL records produce college dynasties, then he might be the perfect guy. He might even work for free.

That's my take. Tell me I'm wrong.