What Is 2013 USC Trojans football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 10–4 record under head coach Lane Kiffin, who was replaced by interim coach Ed Orgeron after a 3–2 start. They played in the Pac-12 Conference, winning the South Division and defeating Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Key Facts

The 2013 USC Trojans finished the season with a 10–4 overall record
Head coach Lane Kiffin was fired on September 29, 2013, after a 3–2 start
Ed Orgeron served as interim head coach for the remainder of the season
USC won the Pac-12 South Division with a 6–2 conference record
The team defeated Fresno State 45–42 in the 2013 Las Vegas Bowl

Overview

The 2013 USC Trojans football team represented the University of Southern California during the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Pac-12 Conference, the team was led initially by head coach Lane Kiffin before a mid-season coaching change significantly altered the program's trajectory.

Despite early struggles and leadership turmoil, the Trojans rallied under interim coach Ed Orgeron to finish 10–4 overall and claim the Pac-12 South Division title. Their season concluded with a thrilling 45–42 victory over Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl, marking a dramatic turnaround.

Record: The team finished with a 10–4 overall record and a 6–2 mark in Pac-12 play, securing first place in the South Division.
Coaching change: Head coach Lane Kiffin was dismissed on September 29, 2013, after a 3–2 start, becoming one of the most high-profile firings mid-season in recent college football history.
Interim leadership: Defensive line coach Ed Orgeron stepped in as interim head coach and led the team to a 6–2 record over the remainder of the season.
Offensive performance: Quarterback Cody Kessler emerged as a key leader, throwing for 2,930 yards and 26 touchdowns during the season.
Defensive impact: Linebacker Tre Madden recorded 86 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss, anchoring a defense that improved significantly after Kiffin’s departure.

Season Performance and Coaching Shifts

The 2013 season was defined by instability at the top and a resilient team response. After a loss to Stanford dropped the Trojans to 3–2, athletic director Pat Haden made the controversial decision to fire Kiffin, citing a lack of progress and team direction.

Lane Kiffin era ends: Kiffin coached USC from 2010 to 2013, compiling a 28–15 record before his abrupt firing on September 29, 2013, just hours after a 10–7 loss to Arizona State.
Ed Orgeron’s rise: Orgeron, previously the defensive line coach, became the first African American interim head coach in USC football history and quickly restored team morale.
Turnaround wins: Under Orgeron, USC defeated rivals UCLA and Fresno State, with the latter victory securing a winning season and postseason success.
Recruiting impact: Orgeron’s passionate leadership style energized fans and recruits, leading to a surge in fan attendance and social media support.
Quarterback development: Cody Kessler started 10 games, completing 66.5% of his passes with 26 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions, showcasing marked improvement under Orgeron.
Defensive turnaround: The defense allowed just 20.7 points per game under Orgeron, down from 26.4 under Kiffin in the first five games.

Comparison at a Glance

Performance under Kiffin versus Orgeron highlights the dramatic shift in the team’s season trajectory:

Statistic	Lane Kiffin (First 5 Games)	Ed Orgeron (Final 9 Games)
Record	3–2	7–2
Points per game (offense)	26.0	34.7
Points allowed per game (defense)	26.4	20.7
Pass completion percentage	62.1%	68.3%
Team turnover margin	–2	+6

The table illustrates a clear improvement across nearly every metric after Orgeron took over. The offense became more efficient, the defense tightened, and the team’s overall confidence surged, culminating in a competitive bowl win and renewed optimism for the future.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season remains a pivotal chapter in USC football history, symbolizing both instability and resilience. The mid-season coaching change sparked national debate about leadership, race, and accountability in college athletics.

Cultural impact: Orgeron’s emotional leadership resonated with players and fans, temporarily revitalizing a program struggling with identity post-Sanctions Era.
Recruiting momentum: The team’s second-half performance helped secure a top-15 recruiting class in 2014, despite the coaching uncertainty.
Administrative scrutiny: Athletic director Pat Haden faced criticism for the timing and handling of Kiffin’s firing, influencing future administrative decisions.
Legacy of instability: The season underscored USC’s coaching volatility, setting the stage for Steve Sarkisian’s hiring in 2014.
Player development: Quarterback Cody Kessler and running back Javorius Allen emerged as leaders, both earning All-Pac-12 honors.
Bowl significance: The Las Vegas Bowl win was USC’s first bowl victory since 2010, ending a three-year drought and restoring some pride to the program.

The 2013 USC Trojans season demonstrated how internal turmoil can coexist with on-field redemption. While short-lived, Orgeron’s tenure left a lasting impression on the culture and expectations within the program.