Burns Moves Up to Defensive Coordinator

Keith Burns, 34, who has coached the USC safeties for the last two seasons, was named by Coach John Robinson as the Trojans’ defensive coordinator Thursday, succeeding Don Lindsey.

“I’m thrilled that John had that kind of confidence in me, to give me this chance,” said Burns, in Texas on a recruiting trip.

Robinson also said Thursday that he had made one more staff change for the Trojans’ Cotton Bowl game against Texas Tech, moving defensive line coach Doug Smith to offense to work under offensive line coach Mike Barry.

Robinson said Burns will be in charge of the defensive game plan for the Cotton Bowl game but added, “I’ll have some input too.”

Robinson, 59, said the vacant defensive line position will be temporarily filled by “an elderly gentleman, who still retains his great speed.”

He meant himself.

“I’ll spend a high percentage of my time between now and Jan. 2 with the defensive line, and over the next year too,” he said.

He said he will hire another defensive coach after the Cotton Bowl game.

Robinson said no one should expect major defensive changes for Texas Tech.

“We’ve got seniors who we need big games from in Dallas, and this is not the time to throw a whole new system at them,” he said. “I want them fresh for the game, eager to play, not feeling like they’ve just come out of boot camp.”