KIFFIN WON'T BE DEFENSIVE NEW COORDINATOR NOT WORRIED ABOUT REPLACING CHOW.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

Spring practice is normally a time for a quarterback controversy, but two-time defending national champion USC opens drills with an even more intriguing question: How will the offense look without near-legendary offensive coordinator Norm Chow and with 29-year-old Lane Kiffin as his replacement?

Kiffin's first practice as offensive coordinator takes place today. But Kiffin said Monday he isn't worried about skeptics wondering about the Trojans' unproven coordinator.

``That's normal for people to think that way, but it's not my concern,'' Kiffin said. ``You can't worry about that. You have to worry about what's important, like where we stand with personnel.''

Kiffin said his job during practices won't be a lot different than when he was wide receivers coach, but he will call plays this season and is also co-scripting the plays run in practice.

While Chow, who quit last month for a similar position with the Tennessee Titans, drew up the scripts himself, Kiffin said he and quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian will do it together, while also asking other offensive coaches for advice.

``You're a coordinator and have to coordinate the staff, and practice and game plans,'' Kiffin said. ``Steve and I basically ask for input and then do all the scripting. On the field, I'm still coaching the receivers but overviewing the whole offense.''

Although there will be extra scrutiny in replacing Chow, Kiffin said he relishes the chance to be the new coordinator.

``It's football, it's going out and coaching,'' he said. ``Practices are fun. I don't feel pressure.''

It has become an even more interesting issue because Kiffin and Chow endured a rocky relationship the past four years at USC. But Kiffin doesn't feel like a scapegoat over Chow's dramatic departure and said he hasn't heard negative feedback from outside the program.

``I don't know what people think,'' he said.

Initially, it appeared one of Kiffin's biggest concerns was finding enough healthy quarterbacks for spring practice. Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart is out after undergoing elbow surgery and he is also rehabilitating a hernia.

That left sophomore John David Booty and freshman Rocky Hinds as the only scholarship quarterbacks available because senior Billy Hart is playing baseball. But Hinds developed a sore knee and didn't get cleared to practice until late Monday.

The Trojans are so low on quarterbacks that walk-on Mike McDonald, who quit the team, was convinced by the coaching staff to return for spring drills. Tight end Nick Vanderboom expected to switch to quarterback for the spring, but was told Monday he could remain at tight end.

It has created a bit of a dilemma for center Ryan Kalil, who is unfamiliar with taking snaps from most of the quarterbacks.

``I did take a lot of snaps with John David and know how he steps up to take the snap,'' Kalil said. ``But I'm not too familiar with Rocky or Nick.''

Another area hit with depth problems is tailback. Junior Reggie Bush, who underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason, said he would not practice today, but Kiffin said he expected Bush to be available.

LenDale White is unavailable for the spring because he accumulated too many negative academic points, and Hershel Dennis is expected to redshirt next year after tearing knee ligaments in December. That leaves reserves Chauncey Washington and Desmond Reed as the only running backs with game experience.

Freshman Michael Coleman, who graduated early from Arroyo Valley High in San Bernardino, is currently the No. 3 tailback.

Also returning is offensive tackle Winston Justice, who was suspended by the university last season after waving a pellet gun at another student. Justice weighs 307 pounds but appears slimmer than before and has just 12 percent body fat.

``I'm excited to see if I'm rusty or not,'' Justice said. ``I think I'm in better shape than I was before. Because of that, I don't think I'll be rusty.''

Justice and last year's starter, Taitusi Lutui, will both play at tackle, although the coaches are also trying Lutui out at guard, a move that could be a signal toward next season, when Justice is expected to start.

Justice said no one has told him where he fits on the depth chart.

``I'm last on the depth chart,'' he said.

--Notes: Tight end Kurt Katnik, who had recurring concussions, took a medical redshirt and will no longer play. ...Defensive end Rashaad Goodrum from Valley College, who redshirted last season with a knee injury, will participate in spring drills. ... Junior offensive tackle Kyle Williams switched to jersey No. 78. He wore 75 the past two seasons.