(Image via The USCRipsIt blog)

Jeremy Bates is the new USC quarterbacks coach and offensive play caller. He recently sat down with the press for his first interview. Here are some highlights.

When asked if he ever expected to coach college football,

The reason I came here, I looked at a lot of opportunities. The biggest thing that stood out is that Coach (Pete) Carroll and the USC Trojans win football games.

Is there a chance Matt Barkley will be the starting quarterback next season,

Anything is possible. All four quarterbacks are going to get the same shot. No one is ahead, and no one is below. I think all four of them are very mature. They study the game. I think they’re all ready to be the next starting quarterback at USC. We’ll just have to see in spring who deserves it.

What it is like to have virtually the entire offense back,

When you have your entire offensive line coming back, it makes life a lot easier. I don’t care what level you’re at. You can always establish the run to start the offense, and we have all the running backs too. With that being said, it’s always easier for any quarterback when you can establish the running game, when you can get 4 or 5 yards running the ball. That opens up the passing game.

USC football: Q+A with Jeremy Bates (Part 1) [ocregister]
USC football: Q+A with Jeremy Bates (Part 2) [ocregister]
USC football: Q+A with Jeremy Bates (Part 3) [ocregister]