We're seeing more former star players find roles as head coaches across college football, and Reggie Bush wants in on the action. The USC legend and Heisman Trophy winner wants to be the head coach at his alma mater. 

Bush interviewed with Sacramento State for its opening, but his lack of experience compared to other candidates may have contributed to why they went with Brennan Marion. That doesn't mean Bush has lost interest in replicating Kirby Smart's journey to becoming the head coach at Georgia, his alma mater. 

“I would love to come back and be the head coach of USC at some point and help lead USC to a national championship,” Bush said via The Sporting Tribune. “Lately, man, I’ve just been really having this urge inside of me to get out and coach because it’s in me. And it’s been something I’ve been thinking about a lot and actually talking to people about.”

Bush spoke about his conversation with Sacramento State and then compared his USC desire to Kirby Smart's leading Georgia in the present day.

“I actually spoke to some people over at Sacramento State for the head coaching job when that came up,” Bush said. “I spoke to some people over there about coaching, and it’s definitely something that I want to do.

“The same way Kirby Smart, a former player from Georgia, came back to coach his team to a title, I would love to do that as well at USC. I think that’d be a tremendous story, a tremendous comeback story. I think I have what it takes. I got the passion. And a lot of these kids grew up watching our era and watching our teams.”

Bush is often celebrated as one of the most captivating players in college football history, particularly for his extraordinary performances at the University of Southern California (USC) from 2003 to 2005. As a dynamic running back renowned for his remarkable speed, agility, and vision, Bush played a crucial role for the USC Trojans during their dominant era under head coach Pete Carroll.

In his freshman year at USC in 2003, Bush began to showcase his tremendous potential. Sharing the backfield with LenDale White, he displayed his versatility as a runner, receiver, and returner. His knack for generating explosive plays quickly made him a fan favorite and a significant challenge for opposing defenses.

During his sophomore season in 2004, Bush emerged as a central piece of USC’s offensive strategy. He accumulated over 1,400 all-purpose yards and excelled in both running and kick returning. His performance contributed to the Trojans clinching a national championship, culminating in a commanding victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl, where Bush's electrifying style shone brightly.

The 2005 season marked the peak of Bush's college career, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest players in college football history. He rushed for 1,740 yards, averaging an impressive 8.7 yards per carry, and scored 16 rushing touchdowns. 

Additionally, he caught 37 passes for 478 yards and two touchdowns, illustrating his dual-threat ability. Bush's breathtaking runs, marked by sharp cuts, breakaway speed, and a remarkable talent for evading tackles, defined USC's high-octane offense.

One of Bush's most unforgettable performances occurred in 2005 against Fresno State, where he totaled 513 all-purpose yards, including an astounding 294 rushing yards, in a game that highlighted his explosive abilities. He won the Heisman Trophy that year, although the award was later vacated due to NCAA sanctions related to improper benefits.

Despite the surrounding controversy, Bush’s legacy at USC is irrefutable. His playmaking skills were critical in USC's impressive 34-game winning streak and their two national championships (2003 and 2004). After declaring for the NFL Draft in 2006, he was selected second overall by the New Orleans Saints, leaving a collegiate legacy that profoundly changed the expectations for running backs in college football.