Lane Kiffin Discusses Coaching At A Smaller Program In An AP Interview

Apr 13, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans coach Lane Kiffin during the spring game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Going into the 2013 season, the coach with the hottest seat under him has got to be USC’s Lane Kiffin, and that fact is not lost on him.

The “dream job” that Kiffin assumed when he returned to USC in 2010 hasn’t exactly panned out the way he envisioned. From the crippling NCAA sanctions that he inherited in his very first season to the off-the-field drama riddled 2012 one that saw USC go from preseason No. 1 to un-ranked and pitiful, shining moments from the college football coach that everyone loves to hate have been few and far between.

It’s been an…interesting tenure for Kiffin, to say the least.

In an interview with Ralph Russo from the Associated Press, Kiffin admitted–albeit jokingly–that he has though about coaching at a smaller program or even the high school level.

"“I did think the other day what it would be like to be a high school head coach or to be at a small school,” Kiffin said. “I thought about it the other day. The first time. I wonder if there’s something to that peace of mind. Maybe it’s something I can go back and do when I get older. I’m going to go coach high school. “It’s just the game. It’s the game in its realest sense and it’s fun. Working with the kids and not all this other stuff. You go back and have fun.”"

While he said it in jest, there is always a little bit of truth behind every “I’m just kidding” comment.

Kiffin has attracted more drama over his various stints as a head coach than a VH1 dating show, so it’s no surprise that his time in Troy has been less than perfect.

For a coach like Kiffin–one significantly drier and less personable than his predecessor, Pete Carroll–the LA media market can be a tough place. So far, he hasn’t exactly always played nice with those who cover the program.

All those factors being the case, this 2013 is of critical important to Kiffin, as it could mean the difference between sticking around for another year at his dream job, and shopping for new opportunities to coach on Friday nights.