USC Coach Pete Carroll at odds with Mark Sanchez on NFL decision

All Things Trojan blogger Adam Rose reports that USC Coach Pete Carroll made it clear he didn't agree with the decision by quarterback Mark Sanchez to declare himself eligible for the NFL draft.

Rose writes: "Carroll was visibly unhappy, refusing to sit down for part of the press conference and saying that he disagreed with the decision based on a number of factors. 'We don't see this decision the same,' he said. 'Mark is going against the grain on this decision. He knows that.'

"Nick Sanchez, Mark's dad, was supportive and joked with reporters that, as a parent, he wants to see his kid in college for ten years. Sources close to the program indicate that his family wasn't happy with the choice either."

For more, go to All Things Trojan on LATimes.com/sports.

-- Randy Harvey

Photo: USC head coach Pete Carroll listens this morning as quarterback Mark Sanchez announces his decision to turn professional. Credit: Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Joe]

Pete needs to get out of SC soon, losing his staff/player etc...melting down like this...soon they will be caught for players using HGH and stuff will hit the fan! (seriously, no other team compares to SC visibly as in how ripped and big they all are..no one as a team). A tough road schedule might just do it for PC next yr.....

[DP]

What a rediculous comment joe. Yea, one kid decides to leave early, so pete has to go? not agreeing with a desicion of one of his player, thats a melt down? his players are ripped, so theyre all on drugs? you hit the nail on the head there buddy. 6 straight bcs bowls, 5 victories and 2 national titles and a tough road schedule is gonna do in "PC"? doubt it. sc will just reload. sanchez was the man, not hes not. oh well. no disrespect, but see ya. NEXT! mustain, corp or whoeverwins the qb battle, your the man now. time to shine.

[Chris Hauck]

Sanchez is not ready for the NFL. If the Heisman winner opts to stay and finish his degree and compete for another NC, then doesn't that tell you something. He had a good year, but one game somehow jumps him up to one of the top rated players/QB's? I don't think so. He needed that one extra year, because there was no consistency in his game. The decision was clearly motivated my money. Oh well, enjoy the crappy NFL (No Fun League) and hope some hole in the wall team like Detroit does not draft you.

[Maria Varela]

It takes a lot of courage to go up against your coach and mentor. As a college professor I know I have succeeded when my students make hard and courageous decisions whether or not I agree with them. Coach Carroll....I know you love this guy, but you were the kid and Mark was the adult in this situation. I wish Mark would be at USC for another year, but this is about his life, not ours. Mark…you have made us proud.

[eh91311]

Mark Sanchez's decision to leave USC early and enter the draft was absolutely the correct one. For him. He's ready to make the jump to the next level, where he can get paid to learn what he needs in order to be an effective pro QB. The bigger issue should be Coach Carroll's behavior at the press conference. He showed an extreme lack of poise and grace and a glimpse of his true demeanor and controlling personality. Carroll behaved not as a kindly, benevolent college coach and mentor who lost a talented player early to the NFL, but rather as a tyrant who lost control of an asset that he poured lots of time and money in creating. Carroll is paid millions of dollars yearly by USC to be their football coach. Obviously, there are a few things money can't buy.