PETE CARROLL: FIRST GET THE COACHES, THEN THE PLAYERS

 Many people believe that Coach Pete Carroll runs around the country grabbing every Five Star football player he can get his hands on.  That's secondary to Coach Carroll.  He stocks his coaching staff first.

Coach Carroll believes that recruiting is the life blood of his football program.  His motto of WIN FOREVER cannot happen without the best players. 

Coach Carroll believes that recruits look at who their position coaches are as much as who the head coach is.  Coach Carroll is excited when an assistant can progress their career, thus he is always looking for a possible replacement.

Pete Carroll looks to the NFL to supply his coaching staff with the best teachers of the game.  This past year was no exception.  He hired three new coaches and all came from the NFL. 

This season will feature Jeremy Bates as Quarterback Coach and Assistant Head Coach - Offense.  Coach Bates was the 2008 Offensive Coordinator for the Denver Broncos. 

Brian Schneider is the new Special Teams Coach.  Coach Schneider was the Oakland Raiders Special Teams Coach in 2008.

Jethro Franklin is the new Defensive Line Coach.  He has been the Defensive Line Coach in Green Bay, Tampa Bay and last year with Houston. 

John Morton moved into the Offensive Coordinator slot.  Coach Morton coached the receivers for the Saints.

Pat Ruel remains as the Offensive Line Coach.  He had been the Offensive line Coach in Green Bay.

Ken Norton, Jr. added Assistant Head Coach - Defense to his other job as Linebacker Coach.  He is a three time Super Bowl winner and All Pro Linebacker with the Cowboys and San Francisco.

The other USC coaches with NFL playing experience are Todd McNair (Running Backs) and Kris Richard (Graduate Assistant). 

Pete Carroll spent seventeen years in the NFL under some of the greatest minds in the game.  Bill Walsh, Bud Grant and Monte Kiffin are but three. 

People have asked if USC has a connection with the NFL.  The answer is yes.  NFL coaches often mention that USC players come into the NFL and are familiar with their schemes and formations.   Pete Carroll's offense, defense and special team designs are directly from the NFL.  Why wouldn't they be?