Scott.. It's a great observational encompassing read that's worth the $2.99/mo for access. True, it's obvious stuff followers of the USC program, and I'm certain to wears.com staff writers, but i think articles by institutions that aren't primarily focused on USC itself, that point out the complete and utter mess that is the football program help to institute change (perhaps Plaschke's article helped to end the CH era?).
There are more than a dozen accounts of former coaches from the program, HS coaches and parents basically saying that Oregon is the king of the West now and that any new coach will encounter a potential multi year re-build due to the fact that the foundational elements of the program have crumbled. Sure USC still has sizzle, but the steak and potatoes are missing. Ugh. Fingers crossed the administration doesn't mess this up and decides to open up the purse strings instead of being their traditional "thrifty" approach to bargain shopping for a new coach.
The good news is that a homerun coaching hire in the wild wild west new NIL era, allows the USC program to be fixed in a matter of months. Of course the same be said of literally ANY D1 CFB program and boosters as well that have the $$$ to spend.
Talking to high school coaches is a big part of what I do. There’s zero doubt USC had lost the trust of a vast majority of them, many have done what they can to steer their kids away from USC. That is a fact.
But any prep coach who thinks it will take USC two years to rebuild is simply ignorant. They’re fanboys half the time themselves. I know them personally, so this isn’t a guess. They enjoy the attention Alabama, Clemson, Ohio St. Mario and staff etc. shower them with. They have intoxicating environments at those schools. I’m sure I would enjoy that love too.
USC has the foundation built firmly from the bottom up, it now needs a strong and competent leader. As you posted in last paragraph, it’ll take a few months if that depending on who’s hired. But this hire absolutely needs to be a grand slam, not just a homerun.
I had prep coaches contact me the day after Clay was fired telling me USC needs to get back recruiting their kids who are committed to other schools.