USC fired head football coach Lane Kiffin on Sunday morning after the team's charter plane arrived in Los Angeles following the Trojans' 62-41 loss at Arizona State, the school announced.
Kiffin has had a tumultuous career since Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis tapped him as the youngest coach in franchise history in 2007.
After a notorious departure from Oakland in 2008, Kiffin spent one season at the University of Tennessee before divorcing the Volunteers for a chance to coach USC, where he had spent six seasons as an assistant.
Kiffin took over a program with the cloud of sanctions hanging over it in 2010.
The Trojans have lost seven of their past 11 games, including a 3-2 start this season -- both losses to Pac-12 teams. Kiffin's overall record at USC was 28-15.
The coach's four seasons at USC were characterized by poor defense, a stunted offense and disappointing conference losses. Kiffin's time at USC will be viewed on campus as a disaster from the get-go. Kiffin introverted one of the most gregarious college football programs and squandered some of Southern California's best talent.
Unfortunately for Trojans fans, Pete Carroll ain't walking through that door.
Given Kiffin's struggles and bitter divorces, it's difficult to imagine him getting another coaching gig anytime soon. If he does, we need to hire whatever hype man he employs.
USC athletic director Pat Haden will hold a news conference at the school Sunday afternoon.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" previewed every Week 4 game. Click here to listen and subscribe. *
