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USC Hires Former OC Steve Sarkisian As New Head Coach

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com)  — University of Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian has been hired to take the reins of the USC Trojans' football team.

Sarkisian, 39, was assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the Trojans under Pete Carroll  for seven seasons and helped the team achieve a 74-15 record.

"I am extremely excited to be coming home to USC and for the opportunity that USC presents to win championships," Sarkisian said. "I can't wait to get started."

In 2009, the Torrance native took over as head coach for the Huskies, finishing with a 34-29 record over five seasons.

Sarkisian was a former quarterback at BYU and helped mold Trojan Heisman winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.

He also was a shortstop on USC's baseball team in the fall of 1992 before transferring to El Camino Junior College, CBS Sports reported.

Sarkisian will replace interim head coach Ed Orgeron, who led the Trojans following the firing of Lane Kiffin after a disappointing start to the 2013 season.

The Trojans finished 9-4 following Saturday's loss to rival UCLA, 35-14.

While USC Athletic Director Pat Haden expressed interest in keeping Orgeron in the program in some capacity, "Coach O," as he affectionately became known to players and fans, announced his resignation on Monday.

"Words can't explain how I'm feeling right now ... just lost a father. Way more than a coach," USC lineman Leonard Williams tweeted.

Haden had also interviewed Denver Broncos defensive coordinator and interim head Coach Jack Del Rio for the coaching spot.

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