Lane Kiffin is returning to Southern California as the Trojans’ coach after just one season at Tennessee.
Kiffin was chosen Tuesday to replace Pete Carroll, his mentor and employer for six seasons. Kiffin was the Trojans’ offensive coordinator before his brief stints with the Oakland Raiders and the Volunteers.
His father, respected defensive coach Monte Kiffin, and longtime USC assistant Ed Orgeron also will leave Tennessee to join him, the school said in a statement.
ESPN.com first reported the surprising move by Kiffin and the Trojans, who needed just one day to fill one of the most desirable jobs in college football. Carroll formally took over the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday after winning 97 games over the past nine years.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A person familiar with the decision says Lane Kiffin has agreed to become Southern California’s new coach after one season at Tennessee.
ESPN.com was the first to report the hiring. The Volunteers have called a press conference for 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the school had yet to make an announcement.
Kiffin takes over for Pete Carroll, who left to become the Seattle Seahawks’ coach. Kiffin was an assistant at USC under Carroll.