Raiders Hire USC Quarterback Coach

The recent exodus of USC coaches and players to the NFL continued Saturday when the Oakland Raiders named Steve Sarkisian quarterback coach.

The announcement came three days after All-American wide receiver Mike Williams declared himself available for the NFL draft and one week before the Trojans open spring practice.

Sarkisian, 29, is the third member of Coach Pete Carroll’s staff to leave USC since the Trojans completed their 12-1 season and won a share of the national championship. Linebacker coach Nick Holt was named head coach at Idaho in December and running back coach Kennedy Pola joined the Cleveland Browns’ staff in January.

Sarkisian was hired as quarterback coach at USC in 2002. He tutored Carson Palmer during his Heisman Trophy-winning season, and helped inexperienced Matt Leinart emerge last season to become the Pacific 10 Conference offensive player of the year.

“USC isn’t an easy place to leave, especially when you’re winning and have so many great young players to work with,” Sarkisian said. “But professionally, this is a great opportunity.”

Sarkisian said Carroll, who was not available Saturday, probably would not replace him hastily. Carl Smith, who coached quarterbacks for the Browns the last three seasons, joined the staff as tight ends coach earlier this month.

-- Gary Klein