Like Father, Like Son: Can the Kiffin Duo Get it Done at USC in 2010?

It will suffice to say that as of the 2009 season, the dynasty that was the USC Trojans has all but fallen.

In 2009, the Trojans endured their worst record since 2002, suffering four losses.

Four losses isn't that much, and some teams would give anything to have only four losses, but for the Trojans, that equates to a .500 record, despite going to the Emerald Bowl and finishing up the season at 9-4.

What happened last season?

I'll tell you what happened: Washington, Oregon, Stanford, and Arizona happened.

In the 47-20 beat down laid on the Trojans by the Ducks, USC's defense gave up 613 total yards, with 391 of those yards coming on the ground.

On the opposite side of the ball, the Trojans' offense was nothing short of stagnant, as the offense only accumulated 327 yards of total offense. 327 isn't so bad, but compared to Oregon's 613, it's pathetic.

The Trojans' rushing game wasn't too bad, as they gained 140 yards on the ground. But then again, compare 140 to 391, and it's depressing. 

My point?

Having Lane Kiffin back in Los Angeles is not necessarily a bad thing. Furthermore, having his father, Monte Kiffin, at the helm of the defense, my not be so bad either.

Lane Kiffin has had a lot of success at USC under Pete Carroll.

Kiffin served under Carroll from 2001 to 2006, first as the wide receivers coach, and then as the offensive coordinator. He replaced Norm Chow, who split for USC's rival, UCLA, in 2005.

Lane Kiffin had a hand in developing some of USC's most talented wide receivers the school has ever seen, most notably, Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett.

Under Kiffin's control, the USC offense set an NCAA record: the first team to ever have a 3,000 yard passer (Matt Leinart), two 1,000 yard rushers (Reggie Bush, LenDale White), and a 1,000 yard receiver (Dwayne Jarrett), all on one season.

When Carroll appointed Kiffin as the offensive coordinator, Kiffin had a hand in leading the Trojans to a 23-3 record, which works out to a win percentage of 88 percent.

So, Lane can get it done.

What about Monte?

Even though his defensive success has seen better days, he was a force to be reckoned with in Tampa Bay.

Monte has 26 seasons in the NFL as a defensive coordinator, and 13 of those were with the Buccaneers. He's the developer of the Tampa Cover 2 defense, and has been regarded by some as the modern era's greatest defensive mind.

In 2002, the Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVII, and Monte is the man to thank for it. His 2002 defensive unit was the first unit since the '85 Bears to lead the NFL in total defense (252.8 ypg), total points allowed (196), and total interceptions (31).

Since then?

The Bucs went 3-13 last season, which is what happens when the defense gives up 400 points and 365.6 yards a game.

Regardless, Monte's talent is there, but it's apparently been M.I.A. since that 2002 season.

Lane will most certainly double-up on duties, serving as the head coach and the offensive coordinator. While Monte isn't listed as the defensive coordinator, he will have a big role in shoring up the Trojans' D of 2009.

With the combined efforts of father and son, will 2010 put USC back on top?

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