Until the USC Trojans officially announce that they have hired a defensive coordinator, we are in rumor season! And let me tell you, the rumors are SWIRLING around Twitter.
Everything from, USC will announce a hire as early as Monday (which has since passed), to there will be an announcement no later than the end of the week. Plenty of names are also swirling around from fan-favorite Jim Leonhard to Rams Assistant Head Coach Jimmy Lake.
It’s tough to know what to believe, and just like they did two years ago during Lincoln Riley’s hiring process, and just a few months ago with AD Jen Cohen’s hiring process, USC is trying to keep things quiet (even with all of these rumors swirling).
Well, another big-name defensive coordinator just popped up in the rumor mill.
USC Trojans Defensive Coordinator Rumor
While we're at it, USC made a significant offer to Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley. SIGNIFICANT
— Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) November 20, 2023
According to Jason Scheer of WildcatAuthority.com (part of 247 Sports), the USC Trojans made a “significant” offer to current Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley. Rumor has it, Scalley turned the Trojans down.
During his weekly interview on Trojans Live, Coach Riley said:
“We want people that have a proven track record and people that have done this at a high level and shown a consistent level of excellence.”
Morgan Scalley certainly would fit this mantra. He is in his 16th season with the Utah Football program and has spent the last eight years as the defensive coordinator. From 2009-2015 Scalley was the safeties coach and recruiting coordinator. The Utah defense has consistently been known as a tough and nasty unit, and consistently the most physical in the PAC12, something that the USC defense clearly lacked the past two seasons.
It is no secret that Scalley is the favorite to take over the head coaching gig at Utah whenever Kyle Whittingham decides to retire.
Talks and rumors will continue heating up, but an announcement should come soon, whether it is right after Thanksgiving, or right after the weekend when the rest of college football plays their final regular season game.
One other name to look out for is former Georgia Tech Head Coach Geoff Collins. Another rumor, but there is chatter that he is a potential finalist, whether or not any formal interview has taken place, we have yet to confirm. Before being the HC at Georgia Tech, Collins was a very successful defensive coordinator at Mississippi State and Florida in the SEC where he coached Top 10 units at both programs.
We will keep you updated on the USC Defensive Coordinator situation as we receive information!