Steve Sarkisian Wastes No Time, Plans to Lead USC to National Title

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Steve Sarkisian has returned to Southern California with plans to lead the Trojans back to immediate national title contention.

USC introduced Sarkisian on Tuesday as the replacement for Lane Kiffin and interim coach Ed Orgeron, who led the Trojans to a 9-4 regular season.

Sarkisian had three stints at USC as an assistant coach under Pete Carroll. Sarkisian says he's better prepared to take over a program of USC's profile after the last five seasons at Washington, where he turned the moribund Huskies into a perennial bowl team.

Offensive coordinator Clay Helton will coach the Trojans in their bowl game next month, and Sarkisian plans to focus on recruiting and hiring a staff.

Sarkisian says he knows emotions are running high with his new players. Many Trojans strongly supported Orgeron.