Orgeron Receives New Title

Ed Orgeron, USC’s defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator, took himself out of consideration to join the San Francisco 49ers’ staff on Monday night, a few hours after Trojan Coach Pete Carroll confirmed that Orgeron was being promoted to assistant head coach.

Carroll also confirmed that offensive line coach Keith Uperesa would not return and that Rocky Seto, a graduate assistant who coached defensive backs the last two seasons, would probably fill Uperesa’s full-time slot but maintain his defensive responsibilities.

Orgeron, 42, has been heavily pursued by new 49er Coach Dennis Erickson. He was the defensive line coach for Erickson at the University of Miami from 1989 to 1992.

Orgeron, a member of USC’s staff since 1998, said he called Erickson Monday night and told him he was staying at USC.

“The only reason I even considered the 49ers was because of my relationship with Dennis,” said Orgeron, who also had been contacted by the Oakland Raiders soon after the Trojans signed one of the nation’s top recruiting classes on Feb. 5. “But with the players I’m coaching now, Pete Carroll and the other coaches I’m coaching with, and the kids we have coming in to such a great university -- it wasn’t even close.

“The new title is significant in my mind because I want to stay in college football and work my way up to become a head coach. The title doesn’t change what I do at USC, but it puts me in position to become a head coach down the road.”

Carroll, anticipating interest in his assistants by other schools and pro teams, said he approached Orgeron in December about the possibility of a title change. He was happy to make it official Monday.

“The Niners were seriously courting him but I think he realized what he was helping to build here and he wanted to be a part of it,” Carroll said. “He has been instrumental in helping us get to the position we’re in, establishing our philosophy and he’s a great football coach.”

Carroll said his decision to let Uperesa go was made, “to balance out my staff.”

Last season USC had six full-time assistants on offense -- including two offensive line coaches -- and three on defense. Carroll also serves as defensive coordinator.

Seto, 27, completed his third season as a graduate assistant, the maximum allowed by the NCAA.

Uperesa, 48, was hired by Carroll as offensive line coach in January of 2001. But after the Trojans’ rushing attack and pass protection faltered that season, Carroll brought in Wisconsin assistant Tim Davis in March 2002.

Davis, a fiery personality, handled centers and guards last season. Uperesa, who has a quieter temperament, was responsible for tackles and tight ends as the line matured into one of the best in the Pacific 10 Conference.

“It was workable and professional,” said Uperesa, who has a year left on his contract. “My objective was all about getting the kids ready. Any sacrifice I had to make in terms of responsibility paid off because the results on the field were positive.”

The day after USC arrived in Miami for the Orange Bowl, Carroll told Uperesa he would not be returning next season.

“I told him in December so he had as much time as possible to explore other opportunities,” Carroll said.

Uperesa maintained a low profile through the recent recruiting period. He said he was shocked by the timing of Carroll’s decision, but he said he understands the balance issue Carroll faced.

“You think, coming off a successful year, that things like this wouldn’t happen,” Uperesa said. “I’m not one to go ranting and raving. That’s just the nature of the beast with this business. You never think you’re going to be on this end. You learn.”