USC Football: 10 Pieces of Fan Advice for Lane Kiffin

Since Lane Kiffin "re-arrived" on the campus of USC to take over the head coaching football duties, he has pretty much done everything right.

Those fears that accompanied him from Tennessee have been largely unfounded and his comportment, the behavior that caused so much angst in SEC country, has been exemplary.

And for the majority of Trojan fans, Kiffin has led USC in a manner that, given the complexity of the situation he was dealt, has been nothing short of magnificent.

Although the results have been mixed—every Trojan fan expects far better than the 8-5 record posted in 2010—fair-minded fans understand that Rome wasn't built in a day.

Still, no man, or coach for that matter, is perfect and from a fan's point of view, there may be things that Kiffin can improve in the football program.

And those improvements, such as they are, can be found here in the form of what fans might give in terms of advice to coach Kiffin.

Now let's find out what they are...

No. 10: Open Up Program to Fans

Look, any program that was as "loosey-goosey" in terms of fan contact with the players were as the Trojans under Pete Carroll could invite issues with compliance problems.

And while arguments for and against open practices and the like could be made for administering the program, what can't be argued is that Lane Kiffin had to reign in the "come one, come all" environment that existed under Carroll.

And so Kiffin tightened the security and, in doing so, removed much of the personal contact fans had with their beloved Trojans.

This pleased the NCAA, whose influence permeated everything cardinal and gold since the Reggie Bush scandal broke, but it also has altered the relationship the fans had with the players.

Certainly Lane Kiffin and Pat Haden needed to err on the side of discretion when it came to pleasing the totalitarian powers that be of college football's governing body, but has it gone too far?

Couldn't there be some kind of mechanisms that would allow Trojan fans access to their team that would also ensure that those of the suspicious ilk are kept at an arm's distance?

Sure there are.

Please find them, Coach Kiffin.

No. 9: Re-Claim the Celebrity Base

Much like the suggestion offered in the previous slide, Lane Kiffin would have to tread lightly if he were to reinvigorate the Trojan celebrity fanbase.

During the heyday of the fabulous run under Pete Carroll, Hollywood celebrities would roam the USC sideline, caught up in the joy of Trojan football.

In doing so, they helped reinforce the notion that USC football was like no other in the nation.

And it wasn't just the entertainment types that reveled in being close to the Trojans.

Former USC football players also made time to be involved, and their inclusion was important to the present players as well as the fans.

But since Carroll left, the sidelines have been empty of those people at Trojan football games.

And part of the persona of USC football has suffered because of it.

Let's find a way to bring these guys (and girls) back, Coach Kiffin.

It can be done judiciously, and you're just the guy to do it.

No. 8: Settle on One Trojan Tailback

Strangely absent from the Trojans over the last 20 years has been that one stud running back who would strike fear into the hearts of their opponents.

You know the names.

Mike Garrett, O.J. Simpson, Ricky Bell, Charles White, Marcus Allen.

"Tailback U."

Remember that?

Of course, there are good reasons to rotate backs.

Situational plays sometimes demand a change of pace back and keeping players fresh also has its obvious merit.

But others argue that unless a running back can develop a rhythm, he can never get into a "groove."

And that requires consistent playing.

Sure, carrying the rock 30 times a game just isn't going to happen in today's offensive football strategy.

But at least let the starter get some consistent playing time in the beginning of games without the fear of being yanked if he is slow to start.

You have a lot of great running backs, Coach Kiffin.

Settle on one.

No. 7: Groom an Heir for Matt Barkley's Inevitable Departure

This is a thought that Trojan fans don't want to contemplate, but Matt Barkley's days as the Trojan quarterback are coming to an end.

And it could very well be that upon the completion of the 2011 season, Barkley will take his ample talents to the NFL.

Rated the second best quarterback in the nation by ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, Barkley has been tabbed a top 10 prospect by almost all of the NFL pundits who matter.

If Barkley really shines in 2011, it may be his swan song in the cardinal and gold.

So it is critical that his replacement is groomed this year.

Whether it is Jesse Scroggins, Cody Kessler or Max Wittek, someone has to get some playing time this year when games get out of hand.

Instead of trotting Barkley out for the second half of a blowout at Washington State, get one of the youngsters in there.

The game experience will be invaluable and more to the point, essential for a smooth transition when Barkley leaves.

There is no time like the present to prepare for the future.

Lets see what that future may look like without Barkley.

And let's do it in 2011 when opportunities present themselves.

No. 6: Keep Maintaing a Low Profile, Coach Kiffin

As stated before, Lane Kiffin has been surrounded by controversy wherever he has been as a head coach.

Whether it has been his much publicized battles with Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis or some of the other the top incidents during his one-year stint at Tennessee, Kiffin has invited scrutiny and provided fodder for the media all over the country.

And his reputation has suffered for it.

Now with the Trojans mired in the sanctions of a vengeful NCAA who still have Kiffin squarely in their sights, he has to maintain the low profile he has embraced since coming back to USC.

No more secondary violations, much less the greater ones that have USC in the mess they find themselves in, must be the first order of the day for "Coach K."

So even as he implements the prior suggestions to bring back the celebrities and making the program more accessible to fans, he must do it quietly.

Because for Lane Kiffin, no news is good news.

No. 5: Redshirt as Many Freshmen as Possible in 2011

This bit of advice is already abundantly known to Kiffin, and his staff who will do everything in their power to get that extra year of seasoning for his incoming youngsters.

With the scholarship reductions taking hold next year, strategic availability of players will be crucial to the Trojans success in the next few years while they get through the sanctions imposed by the NCAA.

Kiffin will do everything in his power to redshirt his youngsters in 2011, but due to depth issues, may have to play some true freshmen.

But all the rest, save for the future, coach.

Recruit More Linebackers and Offensive, Defensive Linemen

This is one piece of advice that the Trojans recruiting department has already taken to heart.

With the exception of the defensive line, where the Trojans have several recruiting "irons in the fire," the linebacker and offensive line needs have been addressed by USC receiving verbals from some of the best players in the nation.

As long as linebackers Jabari Ruffin and Scott Starr honor their pledge, along with 5-star offensive lineman Arik Armstead and 4-star Max Tuerk, the Trojans will have gone a long way toward re-stocking their somewhat bare cupboards in those two units.

As for those defensive linemen, not to worry Trojan fans, USC is pursuing some good ones and they will land at least a couple when all is said and done.

So thanks for listening to this piece of advice regarding recruiting, Coach Kiffin.

Funny how you heard it before it was even offered...

No. 3: Beat Both UCLA and Notre Dame

In a season where the Trojans and their fans will be relegated to watching the new Pac-12 championship game and all postseason bowls from the sidelines, regular season triumphs will be at a premium.

And for Trojan fans, there are no more important games during the course of the season than those that feature the Bruins and, of course, the Fighting Irish.

As rivalry games, both of them are tremendously important, and while some may scoff at the notion that UCLA can pull of the upset, I would just offer a simple score...13-9.

As for the Fighting Irish, this game will be at their place, under the lights for the first time ever, and Notre Dame is firmly convinced that they are better than the Trojans.

A dangerous combination to be sure, and USC will have to earn it to leave South Bend with a smile on their smiles.

Speaking of smiles, that is what you will find on our faces, Coach Kiffin, if you win these games.

No. 2: Implement a Modified Spread Offense at Least Some of the Time

You have been hearing this suggestion for months, Lane.

With all of those fantastic skill players just itching for some playing time and an offensive line that is suspect going in to the 2011 season, changing up the pro-set offense the Trojans normally run could only benefit everyone on that side of the ball.

With a quick strike spread, the offensive line won't have to hold their blocks nearly as long and misdirection blocking provides for covering up those mistakes that should be resolved later in the season.

Now, back to the skill players.

Can you imagine what opposing defensive coordinators would think when they peer out at the field and see a Trojan offense that features receivers Robert Woods, Kyle Prater and George Farmer Jr, running backs D.J. Morgan and Curtis McNeal along with Dillon Baxter at QB?

"Oh crap" might be the common thought for most.

So let's get really creative, coach, and shake up the offense with a modified spread.

Trojan fans are just dying to see the faces of those opposing coaches.

No. 1: Stay the Course Coach

For the most part, Trojan fans love what Lane Kiffin has done since he returned to the Trojans.

Left a roster with obvious holes, a damaged reputation, looming sanctions and a demoralized fanbase, Kiffin has offered no excuses nor has he whined about the obstacles he faced.

Instead, in the face of incredible odds, he delivered two outstanding recruiting classes and prepared a foundation for the success he is sure will follow.

As the rest of the nation has denigrated his character, Kiffin simply smiled and moved on to the next challenge.

He has been the picture of compliance for the Trojans and his behavior since arriving back in Los Angeles has been exemplary.

So continue on this path that you have charted coach, secure in the knowledge that those who care about the program stand firmly behind you.

And when you achieve those rewards that we are sure will be forthcoming, we can all smile and say the same thing:

"We told you so."

Conclusion

Most of the suggestions offered here are already in the process of being implemented.

Which makes it nice for those offering the suggestions in that it is easy to look like a genius when someone much smarter than myself, such as you, Lane, agree with the advice.

Even those areas where change is slower, you know, like opening up the program to fans and celebrities, are slowly finding you embracing those notions.

It is a precarious path you follow Lane, one that certainly contains an abundance of pitfalls.

Because of this, you are making sure that every "I" is dotted along with crossing those pesky "T's."

The Trojan family understands and appreciates you for this.

Now go get 'em, coach.

Oh, and please, don't thank me for my astute suggestions.

As an avid Trojan fan, I just felt compelled to do my part.

And when these humble offerings succeed, I'll let you share the credit with me.

I'm just a giver like that.