The Fall and Rise of USC’s Football Legacy

Lane Kiffin sat awake late at night on New Year’s Day in 2006, filled with regret. This was before he became known as a villain at Louisiana State University. At 30, he was a promising young coach under Pete Carroll at USC. At that time, the Trojans were dominating, enjoying an unbeaten streak for over two years. Celebrities often attended their games, making them a cultural phenomenon.

However, after a heartbreaking loss to Texas that stopped them from winning a third national championship in a row, things changed. Kiffin replayed the night over in his mind, questioning what could have been done differently. Other staff members seemed optimistic about the future, but Kiffin knew it wouldn’t be the same again.

After Pete Carroll’s departure in 2010, USC struggled to recapture their past success. They experienced their worst season in 25 years and faced numerous scandals. The university and its football team seemed to have fallen from grace.

The journey to rebuild USC’s football program is explored in the podcast series “House of Troy” from L.A. Times Studios. Through extensive interviews, including insights from Pete Carroll himself, the series details USC’s rise, fall, and efforts in restoring the program.

The series includes perspectives from key figures and offers insights into the university’s history. Listeners can learn more about the Trojans’ path as they strive to return to the top of college football.

“Ruined me the rest of my life,” said Carroll, reflecting on the pressure and pursuit of wins.

The first episode of “House of Troy” is available on podcast platforms starting Tuesday.

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