Tuesday, December 18, 2012

USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Kiffin won't hire offensive coordinator

USC coach Lane Kiffin said Sunday he would not hire an offensive coordinator to help him call plays next season.

Kiffin said during the regular season he would consider all options when asked if he would consider hiring someone to call plays so he could spend more time managing games on the sideline. During games, he usually can be seen looking at his play chart.

But Kiffin said Sunday he would not add any offensive assistant coaches. Running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu currently holds the title of offensive coordinator but does not assist Kiffin with play-calling.

When California coach Jeff Tedford was fired, there was speculation he might join USC's staff, but that's no longer a possibility unless Kiffin changed his mind.

No interviews

Kiffin said he would not interview any candidates for the defensive coordinator position until after the Sun Bowl.

Waiting game

Wide receiver Robert Woods said he submitted his paperwork to the NFL for an early evaluation on his draft possibilities and is eager to hear a response.

"I know they received it," Woods said.

The NFL usually provides only a general draft-round assessment such as "first or second round" in its responses.

"I know they grade down to play it safe," Woods said. "The first round is the whole goal for any child that dreams of being a draft pick."

Woods said critics are claiming his ankle remains an issue. He underwent ankle surgery after

the 2011 season and said he was pain-free this season.

"I've had no problems," Woods said. "I know it's been said, though."

Hitting home

Quarterback Max Wittek said he grew up 15-20 minutes from Newtown, Conn., the site of Friday's school shooting that left 26 adults and children dead.

"When I was in eighth grade my Pop Warner team lost to Newtown," said Wittek, who grew up in Norwalk, Conn. "Obviously it's a great tragedy. Regardless of where it happened it would hit anyone close to home. But it made it even more painful being where it was."

Wittek continues to practice with the first team as quarterback Matt Barkley remains out with a sprained shoulder. Barkley will not attempt to practice before Dec. 26, when USC holds its first practice in El Paso for the Sun Bowl.

"I am going to prepare like I am going to be the starter for this game," Wittek said. "With school over, I have more time to watch film and work with the receivers."

Getting compliments

Wide receiver George Farmer received compliments from Kiffin for his bowl-practice performances.

"He's had four good practices in a row," Kiffin said.

"He's looked like he's stepped up his game," Wittek added.

scott.wolf@dailynews.com twitter.com/InsideUSC

Source: http://www.dailynews.com/ci_22205802/usc-football-notebook-kiffin-wont-hire-offensive-coordinator?source=rss_emailed

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