Reflecting on USC’s Glory Days
Late on New Year’s Day in 2006, Lane Kiffin, then a young coach at USC, sat in regret at the team’s hotel near the Rose Bowl. A loss to Texas had ended USC’s hope for a third consecutive national championship. Kiffin, at 30, was a rising star under head coach Pete Carroll, and the USC Trojans were a spectacle both on and off the field. Celebrities frequently attended games, and the team hadn’t lost in over two years.
But the night marked a turning point. Despite hopes of bouncing back, USC has yet to compete for another national title.
USC’s Fall From Grace
By the time a new reporter joined The Times in 2019, USC football had declined drastically. The team had its worst season in twenty-five years, and the university faced scandals, resulting in resignations from the president and athletic director.
Once at the pinnacle of college football under Pete Carroll, USC struggled to find success after his departure in 2010. Numerous coaching changes ensued, each unable to recapture the former glory.
Presenting ‘House of Troy’
The story of USC football’s rise, fall, and ongoing rebuilding is captured in ‘House of Troy,’ a podcast series. This narrative, created by L.A. Times Studios, delves into the program’s history through interviews and inside perspectives.
The podcast explores the roles of star players, school leaders, and other insiders who witnessed the school’s dramatic journey. As a listener, you’ll learn about the attempts to restore one of college football’s most storied programs.
Listen to ‘House of Troy’
The series sheds light on USC’s past and present, offering a comprehensive view regardless of your familiarity with Trojan football.
Leave a Reply