The search for the next offensive coordinator at USC did not last very long, as the Trojans officially named wide receivers coach John Morton as the replacement to Steve Sarkisian Friday morning.
Morton, who had been considered the favorite for the position left by new Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian, will take over his new duties following the conclusion of the Rose Bowl.
Carl Smith, a former USC quarterbacks coach in 2004, was also considered a candidate for the vacancy on the offensive side of the ball.
Morton’s hire, however, does not eliminate the possibility of bringing Smith onboard, as the two could work hand-in-hand much like Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian once did.
Many have questioned Morton’s experience as the major setback to him garnering the position, although head coach Pete Carroll dispelled those thoughts with his statements on his USCRipsIt website this morning.
“We brought in John (Morton) a few years ago for exactly this opportunity,” Carroll said of Morton on his website this morning. “We’re proud to elevate him to the offensive coordinator position.”
Morton, aside from becoming the teams wide-receivers coach, was also responsible for the passing game, as he earned the title of passing-game coordinator.
“With the coordinator duties John has had for several years now, he is well qualified to take over this new position,” Carroll said.
WeAreSC will continue to cover the newest addition to the staff with quotes from all parties following Friday’s practice.
