Southern Cal's Coaching Search: Sarkisian the Front-Runner? Norv Turner in the Mix?

It appears that the LA Times agrees with us and has anointed Steve Sarkisian as the leading candidate to replace Lane Kiffin at Southern Cal (we suggested Sarkisian should be in Pat Haden's Tier-1 list of candidates).

But here is a name put forward by LA Times we think is very intriguing:

Norv Turner, Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator. I laughed too until I checked his birth certificate and resume. Turner is actually Mike Riley with a much better record coaching the San Diego Chargers.

Like McKay and Robinson, Turner is from vintage Oregon stock. Turner spent nine years as a USC assistant, developed pro-style quarterbacks such as Troy Aikman and Philip Rivers and could probably be pried out of Cleveland. But he's probably too old at age 61 - just like Saban.

Makes a lot of sense.

Just looking out a little for our rivals because we want our last regular game of the season to mean something. Turner could be right guy to bring some stability and respectability in the beleaguered Trojan program in shambles.