I’ve been pondering this a lot since Chow got fired. Assuming that Chow returns to LA (which is obviously not official yet), about 50% of me is really concerned, because for the first time in a while, UCLA is making all the right moves. USC still hasn’t solved a DeWayne Walker defense, Neuheisel is that charismatic CEO type who is a mediocre coordinator who went out and hired a guy who is a great coordinator.

The other 50% is not as concerned, and here’s why: every time a new head coach comes on the scene who poses a threat, Pete Carroll pays full attention to him and handles him appropriately (lessons learned with Jeff Tedford, Charlie Weis, Dennis Erickson and presumably next season with Jim Harbaugh). Chow may have lost some of his mystique because Vince Young hasn’t improved one iota since joining the Titans. And with the right mix of players, the Sarkiffin offense was far more inventive and productive than any Chow offense ever has. Sure, Booty didn’t develop like Palmer or Leinart, but as CommishRob will tell you, that guy is like four foot three. Also, Chow clashed egos with Carroll, is there any reason to think it won’t happen with another big ego? And he would have to take a 60 to 70% pay cut; even if you’re a multi-millionaire that’s a mega drop. Sure their offense will be more potent, but it’s not like USC isn’t used to dealing with (and shutting down) high-powered offenses in the conference already. And if UCLA goes 10-2 next season and challenges for the Pac-10 title and a BCS berth, someone will hire Walker away ASAP. Which brings us back to Neuheisel: even in his absolute prime, in a state where he didn’t share recruits with anybody, a great stadium, facilities, etc., he had one great team and a bunch of pretty good ones. I think the guy is a good coach, but it’s not like Urban Meyer just moved in down the street.

So I’m torn. My lean right now is, that Stanford loss was so seismic and devastating, that Carroll isn’t going to take anybody lightly and hopefully rededicate himself and his staff to getting this thing back on top. I believe they’ll squeeze out one more title before he returns to the pros.

In the meantime, kudos to UCLA. They are doing exactly what I’d have done as their AD or head coach. Another Pac-10 power only helps SC. Look at the SEC.

P.S. Don’t miss Scott Wolf’s take on this.