Nov 19, 2013 04:04 PM EST By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

It is no longer a rumor that Ed Orgeron might compete for USC's vacant position for a permanent head coach because he outright said he wants the job.

In an on-air appearance on ESPNU's show "CFB Daily," Orgeron was very clear and stated more than once what he wants his position to be next football season, ESPN reported.

"I want to be the head coach at USC," said Orgeron. "I love being a head coach. I think that it's something I'm able to do, and do well. And I want to be the head coach at USC when I get the chance. I think I can perform on a very high basis to do what the Trojan family wants me to do."

Orgeron was the defensive line coach under Lane Kiffin and became interim head coach when the latter was fired after a 3-2 start. Under Orgeron, the USC Trojans are 5-1 overall and 5-0 in games against Pac-12 opponents. They are now 8-3 on the year and ranked 23rd in the nation.

Most impressively under Orgeron's guidance, USC knocked off fourth-ranked Stanford Saturday 20-17 at home for the team's fourth straight win.

What's more, support for Orgeron seems to outpouring from all over. The interim coach said he received congratulations on the Stanford win from Trojan alum and Houston Texans linebacker Brian Cushing, as well as former USC head coach Pete Carroll.

"Coach O needs to be here next year... we want Coach O next year," freshman defensive end Su'a Cravens said after the Stanford game, according to the Los Angeles Times. "Forget the hiring, forget all that. We got Coach O and that's all we need."

The Denver Broncos recently confirmed their defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio left the team during their bye week to interview for the USC head coaching job. Del Rio, a USC alumnus, has long been viewed as a favorite for the position, but Orgeron is looking to make athletic director Pat Haden's decision tough.

"It makes me proud," Orgeron said of his supporters. "Obviously we've done a lot of work on our coaching staff with our players. We're going to concentrate on Colorado and finish up our season the right way. I have full confidence [athletic director] Pat Haden will make the right decision."

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