Sarkisian takes a turn as USC's head coach

Steve Sarkisian appeared comfortable in the role.

With Pete Carroll absent to attend a memorial service, Sarkisian made like a head coach and oversaw USC's morning practice, the 34-year-old offensive coordinator directing players and coaches and addressing the team and staff at the end of the workout.

"He's very straight-forward, knows what he wants and demands that you be on point," senior defensive tackle Fili Moala said. "He has qualities and attributes to be a very good head coach."

It has been nearly two years since Sarkisian turned down Al Davis' overtures to coach the Oakland Raiders, a job that former USC assistant Lane Kiffin landed after Sarkisian withdrew from consideration.

Sarkisian, the Raiders' quarterbacks coach in 2004, allowed that he sometimes reflects on his choice.

"I do because I have to assess what type of decision I made," he said. "I don't regret it for a second. I love where I'm at. This is a great place and we have great kids."

Sarkisian would still like a head coaching position, but said, "I'm not rushing to try and take one."

In January 2007, Sarkisian explained that he turned down the Raiders because the timing was not right and that he wanted to be a college head coach. However, he did not rule out a return to the pros.

"Two, five, 10 years maybe it will be different," he said at the time.

Today , Sarkisian expanded on his aspirations.

"I want to be a head coach and I want it to be the right situation," he said. "I don't want to pigeonhole myself and say I only want to be college head coach knowing there might be an NFL job that could be a good fit.

"I'll be open to everything and assess everything and see how it pans out."

Quick kicks

Receiver Travon Patterson suffered an ankle sprain near the end of practice. . . . Jeff Byers worked some at center. . . . Receiver Damian Williams did not practice because of illness. . . . The Trojans are scheduled to be in full pads this afternoon.

gary.klein@latimes.com