USC Talks to Smith of Arizona

Athletic Director Mike McGee has interviewed Arizona Coach Larry Smith concerning the football coaching vacancy at USC.

The interview took place here Thursday while Smith was on a recruiting trip.

Smith confirmed that he met with McGee, but didn’t divulge his future plans.

“I’m the coach at Arizona right now,” he said. “That’s the end of my statement. I just want to recruit and get ready for my bowl game.”

Arizona (8-3) will play North Carolina in the Aloha Bowl at Honolulu next Saturday.

McGee was unavailable for comment, but he has a policy of not confirming any meeting with a coaching candidate.

It has been reported that Smith is one of the leading candidates to replace Ted Tollner, who was fired Dec. 8 with two years left on his contract.

The other identified candidates included Baylor Coach Grant Teaff, former USC assistant coaches Dave Levy and Paul Hackett, and Miami Coach Jimmy Johnson.

Teaff has withdrawn his name from consideration. Levy, the San Diego Chargers’ offensive line coach, has been interviewed by McGee. Hackett, the Dallas Cowboys’ passing offensive coordinator, is scheduled to meet with McGee after the Dallas season ends Sunday.

Johnson reportedly arranged a meeting with McGee last week in Atlanta, but it was learned that no further meetings are scheduled. McGee is reportedly not interested in hiring Johnson.

Smith, 47, earns a base salary of $85,000, but his overall package is approximately $200,000.

In his seven seasons at Arizona, Smith has compiled a 47-28-3 record. He has won seven or more games in each of the last four seasons.

Two other names have surfaced as possible candidates--Kansas City Chief Coach John Mackovic and Detroit Lion Coach Darryl Rogers, whose name routinely pops up whenever there is a college coaching vacancy.