Riley Being Blocked

With the two coaches from Oregon--Dennis Erickson and Mike Bellotti--saying thanks but no thanks to USC, Mike Riley of the San Diego Chargers has become the most talked about candidate for the opening.

But as speculation around Riley heated up Tuesday, he insisted no one from USC had offered him a job.

And, it appears, any attempt to do so could hit a legal roadblock.

Riley has three years remaining on a guaranteed five-year contract, and Charger executives said they had no intention of letting USC anywhere near their coach, at least not until they play their final game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 24.

“We have not been contacted and, if we are, we will deny permission to talk to Mike,” spokesman Bill Johnston said. “Mike has a contract.”

Riley denied having any contact with--or an offer from--USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett.

“I’m just concentrating on my job here,” he said.

Garrett, attending a men’s basketball game at the Sports Arena on Tuesday night, declined to comment, but no move appeared imminent because he earlier told reporters that he had not made an offer.

The question is, if the Chargers, now 1-12, stand firm, will Garrett be patient enough to wait three weeks before filling his vacant coaching job?

Ten days have passed since he fired Paul Hackett, just enough time for Erickson and Bellotti to sign contract extensions with Oregon State and Oregon, respectively.

Numerous schools have filled their coaching vacancies in the meantime. A handful of high-profile coaches have signed extensions.

At USC, while most of the focus was on Riley, other names continued to pop up in regards to the job. Former NFL coach Pete Carroll reportedly was meeting with athletic department officials this week. Colorado State Coach Sonny Lubick was also reported to be interested in the job.

In addition, Utah Coach Ron McBride said that he has applied for the position.

If Garrett is intent on Riley, however, Charger officials were not aware of any provision in his $750,000-a-year contract that would allow him or any prospective employer to buy out the remaining three years.

In other words, USC and Riley would have to obtain permission from team President Dean Spanos.

There is a chance the situation could change when Riley has the opportunity to meet with Spanos, who was traveling and was expected to rejoin the Chargers after they arrive in Baltimore on Friday.

Team officials did not give much hope.

“Like we’ve said all along,” Johnston said, “we’ll discuss the issue after the season.”

There is also a question about how Riley would be received by alumni and fans.

On one hand, he has struggled through losing seasons at San Diego and, previously, Oregon State.

On the other hand, he is credited with laying the foundation for the current success of the Oregon State program and was coach of the year in the Canadian Football League in 1988 and ’90 after leading the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to Grey Cup championships.

Moreover, he was a USC assistant over a span of the mid-1990s, coaching the likes of Keyshawn Johnson, Johnnie Morton and Rob Johnson. The Trojans went to three bowl games during his tenure and Riley became a media favorite.

Garrett spoke of him on the day Hackett was fired last week, saying he respected Riley despite the Chargers’ record.

“I think Mike is a great coach,” he said. “I would not be afraid to consider Mike Riley.”