Yes- they had some after effects of the Pete Carroll sanctions- but USC has the ability to compete for the best talent in the country and Kiffin failed miserably. Kiffin only looks good in comparison to Sark (who is now also at Alabama). Both of these coaches have major personal issues to the point of making them a head coach can be a risk. Kiffin is at best a Norv Turner type. A very qualified offensive coordinator but a mediocre head coach. I don't think Kiffin would be able to out coach other coordinators around FBS given similar talent on a weekly basis.