"We are here as a staff to answer the bell," Orgeron said to the gathered media today inside the John McKay Center. "I want us to have some fun over these next eight games and let the chips fall where they may."Orgeron, who was the head coach at Ole Miss for three seasons from 2005-07, named Clay Helton the offensive coordinator and play-caller. He also announced that Cody Kessler will remain the starting quarterback.
Haden made no commitments to anyone about the future coaching search. He wants the focus to remain on this team and this season.Â
"We're going to try to find the best coach we can possibly find for USC," said Haden, who joked that everyone is a candidate, including the assembled media. "[The coaching search] is in the future though."
The team, which was represented at the press conference by captains Devon Kennard and Marcus Martin, reacted positively to the news. Echoing the sentiments of Haden and Orgeron, the players thanked Lane Kiffin, and now look forward to finishing the season strong.
"We're excited about a new opportunity," said Kennard. "It is a new beginning."
Here is the complete press conference with Haden's explanation for letting Kiffin go, and the opening words of the Coach O era:
