Running backs coach Kennedy Pola is leaving the Tennessee Titans to become the offensive coordinator at USC -- a move that surprised and dismayed Jeff Fisher.
Fisher, the Titans' coach and a former Trojans player, told *The Tennessean* on Saturday that USC coach Lane Kiffin didn't contact him during the hiring process. Fisher also said he learned of the move from Pola, who had only been with the Titans since January.
"I am very disappointed in Lane Kiffin's approach to this," Fisher said. "Typically speaking when coaches are interested in hiring or discussing potential employment from coaches on respective staffs there is a courtesy call made from the head coach or athletic director indicating there is an interest in talking to the assistant.
"So I am very disappointed in the lack of professionalism on behalf of Lane, to call me and leave me a voice mail after Kennedy had informed me he had taken the job. It is just a lack of professionalism."
Kiffin attempted to rectify the damage Saturday, finally reaching Fisher and discussing the abrupt move. Kiffin then issued a statement that didn't exactly deny that he had breached protocol, saying he first spoke to Pola on Friday, then called Fisher on Saturday after Pola called him back, apparently to accept the job.
"I have spoken with Coach Fisher and he now has an accurate understanding of the timeline of events," Kiffin said. "We realize the timing of this isn't perfect for all parties, but this is a great opportunity and promotion for Kennedy."
Later Saturday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Kiffin originally offered the job to Vikings running back coach Eric Bieniemy, who turned him down and notified Vikings coach Brad Childress on Thursday that we would stay with the team. One of the reasons that Bienemy chose to stay was because the team is scheduled to open training camp Friday.
"First off I felt I would have let my players down," Bienemy said. "On top of that, I would have let my fellow coaches down and I would have let the organization down. There was a lot pulling at me. After having conversations with our head coach, with people in management and ownership this is the right place for me and the right decision."
Bieniemy, who will continue to oversee Minnesota's running backs, also has been given the title of assistant head coach/offense. Bieniemy is entering the first year of a two-year contract.
Fisher's comments are the latest backlash against Kiffin, who caused an uproar in January when he announced his departure from the University of Tennessee after only one season. Kiffin took over the Oakland Raiders in 2007 as a 31-year-old coach with almost no NFL experience, but he made it through just 20 games before an ugly public firing in which owner Al Davis called him a liar who brought "disgrace" on the franchise.
Kiffin went 7-6 at Tennessee last season as the youngest head coach in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision. Many credited him with revitalizing the program through his fierce recruiting and sometimes outlandish statements to the media, but he also brought an unwelcome spotlight on the Volunteers with several minor NCAA violations.
Pola replaces Todd McNair, whose contract wasn't renewed by the Trojans last month. McNair was a key figure in the NCAA's investigation of illegal benefits purportedly given to Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Reggie Bush, resulting in major sanctions against the USC athletic department last month.
Pola played fullback at USC from 1982 to 1985 and was the Trojans' running backs and special teams coach from 2000 to 2003. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at UCLA in 1992. His resume also includes stints at San Diego State from 1994 to 1996 and again in 1999 before joining the Cleveland Browns in 2004. From 2005 to 2009, Pola coached the Jacksonville Jaguars' running backs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
