USC has its guy.
As first reported by RealDawg.com, Washington’s 247 Sports affiliate, Steve Sarkisian will become the program’s next head coach. ESPN.com and the LA Times also confirmed the hiring.
Sarkisian finished up his fifth year at Washington with an 8-4 record, the program’s best mark in a dozen years. He is 34-29 during his five-year tenure. The former Pete Carroll assistant has been credited with growing Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart while at USC from 2001 to 2003 and 2005 to 2008.
He replaces interim coach Ed Orgeron, who replaced the fired Lane Kiffin on Sept. 29. Kiffin was 28-15 in just over four seasons in Los Angeles.
Earlier today, it was reported Sarkisian had interviewed for the USC gig -- then he went on a Seattle radio station and characterized his contact with USC as being far more informal.