USC football: Rocky Seto not retained by Lane Kiffin

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Rocky Seto, who was USC’s defensive coordinator last season and a member of the coaching staff since 1999, was informed Tuesday by new Coach Lane Kiffin that he would not be part of the staff.

Seto, a former walk-on linebacker for the Trojans, played under John Robinson and coached with Paul Hackett and Pete Carroll. Seto said he was not angry and wished Kiffin and the Trojans well.

‘The last 13 years have been a tremendous blessing,’ Seto said. ‘I wouldn’t change it for anything.’

Seto’s future with the Trojans appeared in doubt when Kiffin hired his father, Monte,as defensive coordinator and announced the hiring of Willie Mack Garza, who coaches defensive backs. On Tuesday, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebackers coach Joe Barry told reporters he was leaving the NFL team to return to USC, where he played and coached as an assistant.

Seto also said he had spoken with former coach Pete Carroll about opportunities with the Seattle Seahawks.

-- Gary Klein