Matt Barkley broke the news on his Twitter feed, and numerous outlets are now reporting that Tee Martin will leave the Kentucky Wildcats to coach Wide Receivers for the USC Trojans. It's hard to blame Coach Martin for this move. As much as I dislike Lane Kiffin and the Southern Cal program (keep in mind, I'm a UCLA grad), things are really popping there. Despite scholarships restrictions, the Trojans' bowl ban will be lifted in 2012 and they'll begin the season in the top five at the bare minimum. In Marqise Lee and Robert Woods, they have the best returning WR tandem on the country. This is to say nothing of Barkley, who looks like an 80s movie villain (Sweep the leg!) but plays like a Heisman Trophy candidate.
The life of a college football assistant is nomadic and coaches have to strike while the iron is hot. As an assistant, Martin's job at UK was no more secure than that of his boss. That has to be a factor.
All in all, this is a big blow for the football program. Martin was an ace recruiter, a hard worker and had a National Championship QB pedigree. Truth be told, I'm just glad this happened after signing day, in a lull in the recruiting cycle. I'm not sure where the Cats go from here. I'd personally like to see them concede form for substance and look for an expert at developing receivers. We shall see.
I wish Tee Martin the best.