USC
Status: Open
Breakdown: Just when it looked like USC athletic director Pat Haden's tenure couldn't get any worse, it did.
The Los Angeles Times published a devastating story on Haden last Friday that reported he serves on seven boardsāfour foundations and three businesses. The Times wrote that Haden makes more than a half-million annually from the side work and questioned how he could possibly properly concentrate on his day job. And let's not forget Haden's position on the College Football Playoff Committee, which is another enormous time commitment. The totality of the findings, Haden's recent poor health and the football program's poor state offered yet another black eye for one of the most beleaguered figures in college sports.
The good news for Haden is that USC's football coach is still one of the nation's top jobs. Steve Sarkisian leaves behind a roster of blue chippers and there's been a spate of recent facility upgrades. What USC has to decide is whether it is going to target a top-tier coach and offer $6 or $7 million per year or settle for another underwhelming hire like Lane Kiffin or Sarkisian. USC targeted Texas A&M's Kevin Sumlin last time, and he ended up with a $30 million contract from Texas A&M instead. There are really two USC lists. There's a dream list with coaches like Chip Kelly, Bill O'Brien, Bob Stoops and Jason Garrett where USC would need to break the bank. Don't expect Sean Payton to be on USC's list after his
reported alleged links to Vicodin in a lawsuit in 2010 (Payton has denied any wrongdoing). Too risky with Sarkisian's issues that led to his firing. The guess here is that USC doesn't hit its dream list.
One other thing to consider: Don't count out Clay Helton if USC wins out. With all that talent there, there has to be some consideration for stability. (Haden thinks a lot of Helton).
Dream List: Chip Kelly, Bob Stoops, Bill O'Brien, Jason Garrett
Realistic List: Kyle Whittingham, Clay Helton, Pat Fitzgerald, Dan Mullen, Jeff Fisher, Jack Del Rio and Pat Narduzzi.