Los Angeles - USC football coach Pete Carroll has reached an agreement in principle to take over the program of arch-rival UCLA, but the big news is that he will continue to coach the Trojans as well.

 

"I know people may have their doubts, but I've got tons of energy," said Carroll, who will coach the Trojans in next month's Rose Bowl. He dismissed the immediate outcry of fans of both schools who believe coaching two programs will create impossible conflicts of interest.

 

"I'm a fair guy and I'm an honest guy, and I will do my best for both," Carroll said, adding that he was still figuring out how he would handle next fall's USC-UCLA game.

"At this particular juncture, I think I will probably coach UCLA in the first half, and USC in the second, but that will depend on how the game is going.”

 

“Why not?” said UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. “He’s got a decent track record and we’ll save money on relocation expenses.”

 

In related news, Ohio State coach Jim Tressel has been in touch about reaching a similar deal with the University of Michigan.