FILE- In this Oct. 2, 2013, file photo, Southern California's interim football coach Ed Orgeron guides his players during NCAA college football practice in Lo Angeles. The former Ole Miss coach welcomes the opportunity of his interim job, and the Trojans say he's injecting energy back into a weary team. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File) (The Associated Press)
LOS ANGELES – The Cajun Trojan had a comfortable niche at Southern California.
Ed Orgeron was Lane Kiffin's top recruiter and defensive line coach, excelling in both areas. He fired up the Trojans at practice and led them down the Coliseum tunnel on Saturdays, preaching USC pride and competitiveness to everybody who crossed his well-worn path.
Kiffin's firing propelled Orgeron into the spotlight at one of the nation's highest-profile programs. Orgeron didn't ask for the opportunity, but he's determined not to waste a second chance to be a head coach.
The barrel-chested coach with the Louisiana accent that sometimes borders on indecipherable might seem an unlikely fit in Hollywood.
But Orgeron has grown to love USC, and his players would love to keep "Coach O" around after his interim job is over.
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