With a 5-1 record, USC interim coach Ed Orgeron is making a strong case to permanently stay at the helm of the Trojans' football program. Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin, believed to be the top candidate, and Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, who interviewed in November, remain in the mix.
Orgeron stepped in after Lane Kiffin's dismissal and quickly adjusted to the head coach role, guiding the Trojans from a 3-2 record to an 8-3 record. With five wins and only one loss under his belt, Orgeron now has USC in contention for a spot in the Pac-12 conference title game.
With an upset victory over Stanford and a conference championship appearance within reach, Orgeron is emerging as the dark house for the head coaching vacancy.
"It makes me proud," Orgeron said of hearing people say his interim title should be removed, via ESPN. "Obviously we've done a lot of work on our coaching staff with our players. We're going to concentrate on Colorado and finish up our season the right way. I have full confidence [athletic director] Pat Haden will make the right decision."
Orgeron's stiffest competition for the job appears to be Sumlin and Del Rio. Sumlin is USC's top candidate, according to L.A. Daily News, but it's uncertain whether he'd be interested in leaving Texas A&M.
Del Rio, a Trojan alum, is another big name floating around. Del Rio interviewed with USC for the job during the Broncos' bye week on Nov. 1, Fox Sports reported. Del Rio is presently serving as Denver's interim head coach while John Fox recovers from heart surgery.
While the Broncos confirmed Del Rio interviewed for the USC vacancy, Del Rio has been silent about his future plans and is unlikely to comment until after the NFL season ends.
