Perhaps, a ‘Name’ Coach <i> Is</i> the Answer at USC

Never have I read a more idiotic assessment of USC’s football program than Mike Downey’s front-page column regarding the dismissal of Ted Tollner. Mr. Downey needs to clarify his facts before making statements as insulting and degrading as those contained in that column.

Yes, Mr. Downey, maybe USC should hire a “name” coach. Penn State, Michigan, Oklahoma, UCLA and Nebraska all have “name” coaches, but I guess that’s acceptable.

Maybe a “name” coach will find a way to slow down top-rated local high school stars from going to Arizona State, Arizona, Washington and other out-of-state universities with progressive football programs. Maybe a “name” coach will find a way to motivate his players to comeback victories when losing by more than seven points, something Tollner’s teams never once accomplished. Maybe a “name” coach can find a way to win more than three key games in four seasons, one of which was a fluke.

And maybe a “name” coach can find a way to keep the Coliseum full of season-ticket holders and not allow a once-proud football program to dissipate to the point that 50-yard-line tickets can’t be given away.

GARY BRANCH

USC ’62

La Mesa