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From the moment Lane Kiffin was fired at USC, there's been talk that Steve Sarkisian could emerge as a prime candidate to replace him. Despite some struggles this season in what was expected to be his breakout year at Washington, it appears as though USC has indeed decided to offer him the job, and according to multiple sources, he has accepted:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Steve Sarkisian has accepted the USC head coaching position</p>— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/schadjoe/statuses/407586729827508224">December 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideUSC">@InsideUSC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> finalizing deal to hire Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, according to sources.</p>— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_Jude/statuses/407587618193305600">December 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Damn...</p>— Greg Ducre (@GDucre18) <a href="https://twitter.com/GDucre18/statuses/407585292950847488">December 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Troy Williams, a freshman QB redshirting this season, is not happy about it.
Don't ever commit cus of a coach. Faker then a 3 dollar bill
— Smiley (@TroyWilliams_3) December 2, 2013
Corroborating evidence is the fact there are now team meetings scheduled at both USC & UW today:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Source, A previously unscheduled 2pm meeting has been called for the Washington football team.</p>— Lindsey Thiry (@LindseyThiry) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyThiry/statuses/407583032694939648">December 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
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We'll have more as this story develops, but it appears as of right now that this smoke indicates fire and that Sark is indeed on his way back to USC. This obviously puts UW Athletic Director Scott Woodward in the spotlight, and we'll see what his contingency plans are.
There are indications that the UW has already had conversations with Jim Mora, but it seems doubtful he's ready or willing to leave a good gig at UCLA. Remember, Mora had once called UW his "dream job."
Joe Schad has reported mutual interest between Chris Petersen and the UW, but I strongly doubt he'll ever leave Boise State given his dislike of media glare. Perhaps Tim DeRuyter of Fresno State will get consideration, but I'd put good money on Woodward offering the job to Justin Wilcox to keep continuity and attempt to retain most of the current staff.
UPDATE: Wilcox going with Sark:
Per source: Justin Wilcox is going to USC with Steve Sarkisian. Nothing confirmed on any angle from UW
— Dave Softy Mahler (@Softykjr) December 2, 2013
More of UWDP's coverage can be found in our StoryStream, including the reactions of current players, what some of our staff thinks, and more as we continue to add coverage.
