Apparently, Pete Carroll recruit more than just players.
He has landed an up-and-coming NFL play caller as his new offensive coordinator.
USC has hired Jeremy Bates as its new offensive coordinator to fill the vacancy left by Steve Sarkisian, who was recently named head coach at the University of Washington, two sources said Monday. Bates was the Denver Broncos offensive coordinator under Mike Shanahan and was being pursued by other NFL teams for a similar position.
When Mike Shanahan was canned in Denver, Jay Cutler openly lobbied for Bates to be kept on. Cutler went to Vanderbilt, so you know he’s not stupid, and high praise coming from him is high praise indeed. The Broncos averaged 6.2 yards per play and 395 yards a game in offense last season — that may be higher praise.
Bates has plenty of quarterback molding ahead of him. With Mark Sanchez cashing in for the NFL (have fun on the bench in Green Bay!) Mitch Mustain is the frontrunner to take over, but Bates can also choose from Aaron Corp, Garrett Green and Matt Barkley. Spring ball is going to be interesting this year for the quarterbacks.
Welcome to the Bates Motel, guys.
