USC receivers coach Gilmore to join Raiders

USC receivers coach Ted Gilmore is leaving the Trojans to join the Oakland Raiders staff, a person close to the USC program confirmed. Gilmore's departure, reported by FootballScoop.com, leaves Trojans Coach Lane Kiffin with three vacancies on a staff that will oversee a team expected to contend for the Bowl Championship Series title. USC was without a full-time defensive backs coach last season after Willie Mack Garza resigned on the eve of the opener. Linebackers coach Joe Barry agreed to terms with the San Diego Chargers last week and his hiring was announced Monday. Gilmore replaced John Morton on USC's staff before last season. He oversaw a position group that included All-American Robert Woods and freshman All-American Marqise Lee. Graduate assistant Sammy Knight handled the defensive backs last season, but Kiffin said last week that he was still searching for a full-time replacement. Then came news of Barry's departure, and now of Gilmore. USC is scheduled to open spring practice March 6. -- Gary Klein