Lindsey resigns as
‘SC defense coach
Don Lindsey abruptly resigned as USC’s defensive coordinator as
the result of an apparent disagreement with head coach John
Robinson.
Lindsey left after a meeting Wednesday with Robinson, and could
not be reached for comment.
According to an unidentified team source quoted by the Los
Angeles Times, "It was kind of a clash, toward the end of the
season. John has his own philosophy of defense, and Lindsey is kind
of a ‘it’s my way or the highway’ kind of guy, and it came to a
head."
Lindsey had completed his second season under Robinson. The
Trojans finished 7-3-1 and will play Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl
on Jan. 2.
"This decision was reached mutually between Don and I and is
effective immediately," Robinson said in a statement. "He has been
released from his responsibilities now so he can pursue other
coaching opportunities."
The Trojan defense has been under criticism of late, and
Robinson was one of the critics.
In the 31-19 loss to UCLA on Nov. 19, Robinson was unhappy that
UCLA had rushed for 232 yards against the Trojans. And Notre Dame
netted 226 yards on the ground in the Irish-Trojan tie last
Saturday.
All of Lindsey’s defensive front starters at season’s end were
freshmen and sophomores.
Lindsey coached under John McKay at USC from 1971-75. He worked
on staffs led by Bear Bryant, Jim Sweeney, Frank Broyles, McKay,
Robinson, Lou Holtz, Bill Curry and Bob Stull.