Posted by: Pete Roussel on February 19, 2013

While Lane Kiffin moves closer to finalizing his staff, one USC assistant says he's committed for the long haul.

Ed Orgeron stated today, "I'm a Trojan. I'm a Trojan and I'm not wavering from that. I'm here.  I made a commitment to Pat Haden, Lane Kiffin, and the USC family.  All I need to do was leave USC one time.  In fact, the last time I left USC, I was on the plane and I wanted the plane to turn around; I wanted to come back.  My wife and my family talked about; if we ever get back to SC, we're not leaving.  I'm here."

Orgeron, who serves as the Trojans' recruiting coordinator, admitted the Trojans' lost out on several key recruits just before signing day.

Next year, however, Orgeron believes that SC will benefit from having 20 scholarships to offer.

Orgeron said, "Here's what happened. At the end, we were going after some 5-star players across the country.  For one reason or another, they didn't come. We had some #2's available, but we didn't feel like they were best player available at that time, so we didn't go after them."

Since the season has ended, Monte Kiffin has resigned.  He later joined the Dallas Cowboys' organization as defensive coordinator.

Linebackers Scottie Hazleton left for the defensive coordinator job at Nevada.

Kennedy Pola was dismissed as the offensive coordinator / running backs coach, while it appears offensive line coach James Cregg is no longer with the staff, although Kiffin has not announced anything regarding Cregg.

In the coming days, Lane could promote quarterbacks coach Clay Helton to offensive coordinator.

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