John Morton promoted to offensive coordinator

Morton, 39, succeeds Steve Sarkisian, who became Washington's head coach last Saturday. Sarkisian, however, is scheduled to remain with the Trojans through their Jan. 1 Rose Bowl game against Penn State.

The Trojans return to practice today for the first time since defeating UCLA in the regular-season finale last Saturday.

Morton, who also has held the title of passing game coordinator, will remain the receivers coach, Carroll said. Morton has worked from a coaches booth in the press box during games the last two seasons while Sarkisian stayed on the field.

Carroll said it had not yet been determined whether Morton will remain in the coaches booth or be on the field.

"With the coordinator duties John has had for several years now, he is well qualified to take over this new position," Carroll said on his website.

Carroll has spoken to Carl Smith about rejoining the staff as quarterbacks coach, a position he held in 2004, when the Trojans finished undefeated and won the Bowl Championship Series title. Smith was most recently the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator.

Klein is a Times staff writer.

gary.klein@latimes.com