USC football: Pat Haden says Lane Kiffin not on hot seat

On the eve of Friday’s Pac-12 Conference media day, USC Athletic Director Pat Haden released a “State of Football” video Thursday night and backed Coach Lane Kiffin.

The Trojans are coming off a 7-6 season, which featured an embarrassing loss to Georgia Tech in the Sun Bowl.

“I anticipate the media will ask me if our football coach is on the hot seat this year,” Haden said in the video. “Here is my answer, and will be my answer whenever I’m asked. He is not.

“I’m behind Lane Kiffin 100%. I have great confidence in him. He’s a very hard-working, detail-oriented coach. He’s a dynamic play-caller, in my estimation, and he’s an exceptional recruiter.

“He knows USC and he knows what it takes to be successful here.”

Haden also said renovations to the Coliseum would begin July 29.

The Trojans open the season Aug. 29 at Hawaii and play their home opener against Washington State on Sept. 7.

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