Kennedy Polamalu will not return as offensive coordinator/running backs coach at USC, it was announced Sunday by Trojans coach Lane Kiffin.
"As we continue to evaluate all facets of our program, including the organization of our staff, we made the decision to go in a different direction at this coaching position," Kiffin said. "Kennedy Polamalu is a good coach, a good person and a good Trojan. We wish him and his family the best.
Polamalu just completed his third year in that role under Kiffin. While Polamalu held the title of offensive coordinator at USC under Kiffin, he did not call plays. USC had a 1,000-yard rusher in 2011 in Curtis McNeal. Polamalu was known as a terrific recruiter with strong ties in the southern California area.
Polamalu also spent four years at USC (2000-03) coaching running backs and special teams. He spent six years in the NFL as a running backs coach with the Cleveland Browns (2004) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2005-09).
Polamalu was a four-year letterman at USC (1982-85) and a three-year starter at fullback (he never lost a yard carrying the ball). He prepped at Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei where he was also the student body president.
His nephew, Troy Polamalu, was a standout safety at USC who now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Polamalu is the fourth coach to leave the USC staff since the conclusion of the 2012 season, following assistant head coach Monte Kiffin, linebackers coach Scottie Hazelton and defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders.
There is no word from USC on a replacement for Polamalu.
"As we continue to evaluate all facets of our program, including the organization of our staff, we made the decision to go in a different direction at this coaching position," Kiffin said. "Kennedy Polamalu is a good coach, a good person and a good Trojan. We wish him and his family the best.
Polamalu just completed his third year in that role under Kiffin. While Polamalu held the title of offensive coordinator at USC under Kiffin, he did not call plays. USC had a 1,000-yard rusher in 2011 in Curtis McNeal. Polamalu was known as a terrific recruiter with strong ties in the southern California area.
Polamalu also spent four years at USC (2000-03) coaching running backs and special teams. He spent six years in the NFL as a running backs coach with the Cleveland Browns (2004) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2005-09).
Polamalu was a four-year letterman at USC (1982-85) and a three-year starter at fullback (he never lost a yard carrying the ball). He prepped at Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei where he was also the student body president.
His nephew, Troy Polamalu, was a standout safety at USC who now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Polamalu is the fourth coach to leave the USC staff since the conclusion of the 2012 season, following assistant head coach Monte Kiffin, linebackers coach Scottie Hazelton and defensive backs coach Marvin Sanders.
There is no word from USC on a replacement for Polamalu.
