I saw a post that has gone bye-bye. It was based on hearsay and was insinuating Coach Eaux was causing division among players. Here are some feelings of players and others when he left USC. There are other articles with more players comments and quotes by Marcus Allen and other former players who wanted the Eaux to stay as the head man.

Especially interesting quote by Dion Bailey who left for the NFL with the "Guice to return" rumors on the board.

quote:

USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams, did not shy away from voicing their disappointment. There was plenty of devastation to go around.

Words can't explain how I'm feeling right now....just lost a father. Way more than a coach #coachO

— Leonard Williams (@leonardwilliams) December 2, 2013

quote:
Former Trojans safety Dion Bailey, who skipped his senior season for the NFL, brought up Orgeron's departure as one of the reasons he decided to leave. Five others joined him, too, doing so for reasons unknown.

If we make the right choice i would've had 1 more year.. We have to get it right this time!! Coach O or Helton, Help keep the Jr.'s around!!

— Dion Bailey (@dbailey_18) October 11, 2015

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2578533-what-could-have-been-if-ed-orgeron-was-named-usc-hc-instead-of-steve-sarkisian

USC interim coach Ed Orgeron is carried off the field after an emotional win over Oregon State last November. (Don Ryan / Associated Press)

quote:

USC was given that rare opportunity. The Trojans saw a coach bring an emotionally drained program back from the dead. They saw life. They saw wins. They saw the players rally. But instead of backing the success they seemingly stumbled into with, say, a modest two-year extension—a longer test drive, if you will—they decided to take a leap of faith.

And now, less than two years later, USC must do so again.

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'Like I just lost my father': USC players react to Steve Sarkisian replacing Ed Orgeron

USC's hiring of Washington's Steve Sarkisian as its new head football coach seems to have had the exact opposite effect of the effect hirings are supposed to have.

However, we'll say this: we can't recall seeing a coaching hire met with such unabashed glee by fans of the teams it should hypothetically rile up and so little positive reaction from those around the team itself. Normally a hiring is met with excitement for a new era, but there doesn't seem to be any joy trickling out from Troy today (there was certainly joy, however, on the internet -- at least among non-USC fans).

quote:
Ryan Abraham
?
@insidetroy
Keep getting calls from Dan Weber and he says the mood around #USC is like a funeral.

quote:
Ryan Abraham
?
@insidetroy
As he was leaving Dan Weber asked Pat Haden "How's it going" and he responded, "I've had better days." #USC

In response to the above text: THAT'S THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR. THAT'S THE GUY WHO MADE THE HIRE.

quote:
Kristen Rodgers
@KristenERodgers
#USC players filing out. No one taking. Somber mood at McKay

quote:
Kristen Rodgers
@KristenERodgers
#USC Justin Davis saying "I'm good--it was..." And a thumbs down gesture

"To be fair, the glum mood seems not to come from any pre-existing feelings about Sarkisian, but rather the resignation of Ed Orgeron, the wildly popular interim coach with the funny voice who decided to move on"

quote:
Ryan Abraham
?
@insidetroy
How hard will Sark's job be? Players openly crying after Orgeron's departure. #USC

quote:
Kristen Rodgers
@KristenERodgers
#USC players were instructed to not comment on coaching situation. Some left meeting with visible tear marks

"It got worse when the players got to Twitter:"

quote:
Kenny Bigelow
?
@_mcmxcv__
Feel like I lost my dad again........

quote:
Ryan Abraham
?
@insidetroy
George Uko--> RT @uk0sc90: Felt like I just lost my father

quote:

Leonard Williams
?
@leonardwilliams
Words can't explain how I'm feeling right now....just lost a father. Way more than a coach #coachO

"Three players on the team literally likened the move to the death of a father. Let that settle in. Three players on the team literally likened the move to the death of a father."

quote:

Kenny Bigelow
?
@_mcmxcv__
If you think Coach O was just a football coach then your missing 99% of what he was to us!!

quote:
Soma Vainuku
?
@somavainuku
Coach O was more then a coach, he was a father to us, and treated us like we were his own sons... Nothing but good things coming his way!

"Obviously, some players had optimistic things. And obviously, the administration wanted to keep Orgeron as an assistant coach. But all this makes me wonder: Why not hire the guy everybody is absolutely crazy about?"

"So let's summarize: USC players are acting like a parent just died. Their fans are mad. Coaches of other teams are popping bottles. And fans of other teams are laughing their asses off."

From UCLA:

https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/3/5168222/steve-sarkisian-usc-coaching-search-ed-orgeron-reaction

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