Reports link Carroll, Dolphins

USC Coach Pete Carroll said last week there was “no doubt” he would be coaching the Trojans next season, but Carroll’s name continues to be mentioned for NFL openings.

On Sunday night, several Florida newspapers and a pro football-related Internet site reported that a plane registered to Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga flew to Costa Rica, where Carroll has been vacationing, and that team representatives are believed to have met with USC’s coach. The plane was used for the team’s previous coaching interviews.

The Dolphins are seeking a successor to Nick Saban, who quit last week to become coach at Alabama.

Carroll could not be reached for comment.

Carroll, who has guided the Trojans to a 59-6 record and two national championships in the last five seasons, has been connected with NFL coaching vacancies after nearly every one of his six seasons at USC.

Most recently, he was linked to the vacant Arizona Cardinals job. Carroll said the Cardinals never contacted him or his agent, Gary Uberstine.

Asked last week whether an NFL team could change his mind to remain at USC, he said: “No, it won’t change. I expect 1,000% to be here.”

Carroll coached the New York Jets in 1994 and the New England Patriots in 1997-99.

The San Francisco 49ers pursued Carroll twice since he was hired by USC before the 2001 season.

Carroll is not the only USC coach to draw interest from the NFL.

Quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian is scheduled to interview today for the Oakland Raiders head coaching job. Sarkisian was the Raiders’ quarterbacks coach in 2004.

gary.klein@latimes.com