Gigantino Interviewed for USC Job

Artie Gigantino, USC’s defensive coordinator, is the latest candidate to be interviewed by Athletic Director Mike McGee for the school’s football coaching vacancy.

Gigantino, who was interviewed Monday, is reportedly the first member of Ted Tollner’s staff to be considered for the job.

“I think it’s gratifying to be considered if they are, indeed, interviewing four or five people,” Gigantino said. “It’s an opportunity to take advantage of, if possible.

“Mike McGee has said he wants big-name candidates and I think I qualify because I have nine letters in my name.”

Gigantino, 35, has been on USC’s coaching staff since 1979, working under John Robinson and the recently fired Tollner.

Paul Hackett, a former USC assistant coach and now the passing offensive coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys, was scheduled to be interviewed either Tuesday night or today.

Dave Levy, another former USC assistant and now the offensive line coach of the San Diego Chargers, has reportedly been interviewed twice by McGee.

Arizona Coach Larry Smith has already been interviewed by McGee and there was a report in a Phoenix newspaper that there is a USC contract on Smith’s desk waiting for him.

McGee said the report was inaccurate, and Smith denied that he has been offered the job. Smith is in Honolulu, preparing his team for Saturday’s Aloha Bowl game with North Carolina.