AFTER 18 DAYS OF WAITING, USC GETS A... CARROLL FOR CHRISTMAS PETE'S THE PICK IN WAKE OF HEAD-SCRATCHING SEARCH.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

Pete Carroll's introduction as USC's new football coach went off without the slightest hint of protest Friday. And just in case it didn't, there were armed security guards stationed throughout the room to prevent any disruptions.

It was a strange atmosphere, but would you expect anything less following a bizarre 18-day coaching search that finally ended with the introduction of the 49-year-old Carroll, the former coach of the New England Patriots and New York Jets?

Carroll signed a five-year contract worth $6 million, including incentives - less than Oregon State's Dennis Erickson was offered by USC but more than former coach Paul Hackett earned.

Some fears might have been allayed at Friday's news conference because Carroll said all the right things, but no one ever doubted his presentation skills.

``I have been an unpopular choice in many places,'' Carroll said. ``It is a challenge. I'm going to prove (athletic director Mike Garrett and president Steven Sample) right.''

Now, Carroll's job will be to win over the donors, boosters and fans who voiced displeasure the past two days over his selection. USC officials acknowledged some donors have threatened to cease financial contributions. But they are prepared for a negative response to the hiring of Carroll, who is 34-33 as an NFL head coach.

``There is a strong reaction because we've been losing,'' athletic director Mike Garrett said. ``People are more frustrated and more vocal. The biggest concern is I know the general public and media would not understand the move.

``I told Pete I will take a hit, because people and the media would not understand. Joe Blow doesn't know football. If you talk to people in the NFL, the guy's a real football guy.''

Carroll was careful not to make any outlandish promises or raise false hopes Friday.

``We'll be good when we're good. I don't know how long it's going to take,'' he said. ``To tell you the truth, I'm not going to give a time frame. My goal is to win now.''

Carroll said he felt he was ``tailored'' for a return to college football even though he has not coached a college game since 1983, when he was an assistant head coach at University of the Pacific.

``My teams are going to play hard and enthusiastic and with a great intensity,'' Carroll said. ``You are going to see a fire about them, and if you don't see it, we are not getting the job done.''

So what about the critics, who practically shut down the athletic department phones with their complaints?

``It really isn't a factor,'' Carroll said. ``I wish these people had been here today so they would know more about what we're about.''

It's assumed USC fans will have at least three years to find out. Of more immediate concern is the coaching staff. Carroll will keep defensive line coach Ed Orgeron and also is expected to retain running-backs coach Kennedy Pola.

Also, on Friday night, former USC assistant coach Doug Smith met Carroll to express interest in a position.

Beyond that, Carroll will be seeking assistant coaches who are familiar with the recruiting process, which means most of his friends in the NFL probably won't be hired.

``He's going to bring in college coaches and coaches from the West Coast because he's no dummy,'' Garrett said.

USC's players were as uncertain as the public about what to expect from Carroll.

``Honestly, I've heard negative things and positive things,'' said tight end Alex Holmes of Harvard-Westlake in North Hollywood. ``I really don't know him. I hope it works. I'm sure he'll catch a lot of negative stuff. I have to find out about him.''

Exactly why Carroll was not introduced Thursday - as originally planned - remained unclear. Negotiations with Carroll hit a snag, according to sources. And, in the meantime, Garrett spoke to San Diego Chargers coach Mike Riley at least three times.

In San Diego, Riley thought he was still a candidate Friday. But Garrett said he and Carroll finalized terms Friday morning, and Garrett was ready to announce his decision to a disgusted public.

Carroll, who is known for his personable style, extended a friendly challenge to the media, which has been lukewarm to his hiring.

``I've been in the largest, most aggressive media markets that exist (New York and Boston),'' he said. ``I say, `Bring it on.' ''

Carroll might have been referring to Boston Globe columnist Will McDonough, who ripped him two weeks ago when his named first surfaced as a USC candidate.

``If showing no leadership in the face of adversity is the West Coast way, then (Carroll) should be the next coach of USC, hands down,'' McDonough wrote. ``Here in (New England), Carroll ended up getting fired because he let others run the show and he didn't have the nerve to step up and be counted when it mattered.''

PETE CARROLL FILE

Age: 49

Hometown: Larkspur, Calif.

Personal: Bay Area native played college football at Marin Junior College in Kentfield, Calif., and University of the Pacific. He attended Redwood High in Larkspur.

Contract: Five years, $6 million, including incentives.

Family: Wife Glena, 46; son Brennan, 21, is a tight end at Pittsburgh; daughter Jaime, 18, is a volleyball player at USC; son Nathan, 13. Father-in-law, Dean Goranson, received master's degree at USC.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 4 boxes

Photo:

(1) no caption (color) (Pete Carroll)

John Lazar/Staff Photographer

(2) Pete Carroll spent three seasons as head coach in New England from 1997-99, compiling a 28-23 record.

Associated Press

Box: (1) Pete Carroll File (see text)

(2) Pete Carroll as Head Coach

(3) The Assistante Years

(4) USC Head Coaches