Trojans’ Bibby Denies That He Is Job Hunting

USC basketball Coach Henry Bibby strongly denied a published report Friday that he had talked to Memphis University officials about that school’s coaching position in November, when the teams were in Hawaii for the Maui Invitational.

“My commitment is to USC. My allegiance is to USC,” Bibby said. “I don’t know why anybody would question that. I’ve not told anyone else anything different.”

The Los Angeles Daily News, citing unnamed sources, reported that Bibby and Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson had spoken at a Hawaii hotel during the tournament, then had a follow-up conversation in December.

USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett said no one from Memphis had contacted him inquiring about Bibby’s contract or seeking permission to talk to Bibby.

“But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t some contact,” Garrett said.

Memphis is 6-7 this season under interim coach Johnny Jones. He replaced Tic Price, who resigned a week before the season began. Price later admitted to having had an affair with a Memphis student.

Johnson could not be reached for comment Friday but has said he has no timetable for naming a permanent coach. He reportedly has met with former New Jersey Net coach John Calipari.

USC defeated Memphis for its lone victory in the Maui Invitational, 92-65.

When asked had he talked with Johnson, Bibby replied, “I talk to a lot of people.” But he continued to say he was not interested in leaving USC.

“I’m not looking for another position. USC is my school,” said Bibby, who played at UCLA. “I shouldn’t even be justifying this. It’s not going to do my team or our recruiting much good.”

Bibby, who was hired to replace Charlie Parker, is in his fourth season at USC and has a record of 48-48. His best season was in 1996-97, when the Trojans finished 17-11. They appeared in the NCAA tournament that season, and went to the National Invitation Tournament last season.

USC’s record this season is 7-5.