Lane Kiffin Confirmed for 2013 Football Season

Despite the Trojans' frustrating ten-point loss to crosstown rival UCLA Saturday afternoon, USC athletic director Pat Haden has confirmed head coach Lane Kiffin's return next year.

"Lane is my head coach, 150 percent now and hopefully for a long time," Haden said. "I see the future. I see the potential. I know what he's been fighting through and I like what he's done."

The loss took the Trojans out of the BCS Top 25 standings and awarded the Bruins with the Pac-12 south title. In addition, quarterback Matt Barkley left the game with a shoulder sprain.

The 38-28 defeat was the Trojans' second loss to the Bruins in the last 15 years.The first loss occurred in 1999 and the second in 2006.

"When you lose the game, you can't argue," Kiffin said in a post-game interview. "That's why they play the game, so congrats to them. Obviously, we're not thrilled about it, but we're going to get it fixed."

The Trojans started off the season as the number one pick in college football polls, but fell as they lost to Stanford, Oregon and Arizona.

Kiffin will have an opportunity to redeem his reputation amongst fans at Saturday's game against top BCS-ranked team Notre Dame.