USC Makes An Unexpected Coaching Change
USC Makes An Unexpected Coaching Change
USC Makes An Unexpected Coaching Change
USC made an unexpected coaching change this week.
On Friday, the Trojans finally made what will presumably be their last big move of the offseason.
After a far-reaching search process for Clancy Pendergast’s replacement as defensive coordinator, Todd Orlando was ultimately announced as the winner.
“We are excited to have Todd join our Trojan football program,” head coach Clay Helton said of the hire.
“He is an experienced and successful defensive coordinator who has made an impact everywhere he has coached.”
“You can’t practice soft and play hard.”
New DC Todd Orlando is looking to up the physicality on the USC practice field. #FightOn pic.twitter.com/Jorj04g0b6
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) January 24, 2020
Orlando spent the last three years as a defensive coordinator for Texas.
After an underwhelming 7-5 campaign last season, the Longhorns decided to make drastic changes to the coaching staff and the 48-year-old was shown the door.
In the aftermath, Orlando briefly accepted a role as linebackers coach at Texas A&M. That lasted all of two weeks.
This week, he made the jump to Southern California.
USC was said to have had extensive conversations with Los Angeles Rams linebackers coach Joe Barry about the position, but eventually they decided to go with Orlando.
“He brings a passion, energy, toughness and discipline to his coaching,” Helton continued.
“Those characteristics were evident in our discussions. His defensive system poses an extreme challenge to offenses.”
Orlando, for his part, seemed excited about the move.
“I really believe that in today’s game, creating negative yardage plays, attacking the quarterback, turnovers, all those things go into creating explosive plays on defense,” he said.
“It’s going to be exciting.”
USC finished 8-5 last season, good for second place behind Utah in the Pac-12 South. It will be interesting to see what impact Orlando ultimately has on the defense next year.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
