Steve Sarkisian has been hired as the new football coach for University of Southern California, according to ESPN.
Sarkisian took over Washington in 2009 and led the Huskies to a 34-29 record and 24-21 in the Pac-12 over five seasons, ESPN reports.
The move comes two months after USC athletic director Pat Haden fired Lane Kiffin following USC’s 62-41 defeat at Arizona State. It was the most points scored against USC in school history. Kiffin’s overall record in four seasons with the Trojans was 28-15.
Ed Orgeron had been serving as the interim head football coach. According to ESPN, USC has made it known to Orgeron that it values his contributions to the program and would like him to stay on in some capacity.
Sarkisian was the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for USC football under Pete Carroll in 2007 and 2008, working with Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. He was also an assistant at USC for seven seasons, from 2001 to 2003 and 2005 to 2008.
