Carroll: No Interest in NFL

Two days from landing perhaps the nation’s top football recruiting class, Trojan Coach Pete Carroll reiterated Monday that he has no intent to leave USC to become coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Carroll, speaking a few minutes before addressing the crowd at the Avengers’ kickoff luncheon at Staples Center, said he was not interested in rejoining the NFL. Carroll said he was looking forward to developing the players who will sign national letters of intent Wednesday.

“I’m very happy at USC and I’m not going anywhere,” said Carroll, who guided the Trojans to an 11-2 record last season. “This is where I want to be.”

Early Monday evening, USC issued a statement from Carroll in response to rumors on talk radio and Internet sites regarding the 49ers.

“While I appreciate the connection with the NFL, I have no interest in going there,” Carroll said in the statement. “I’m excited about being at USC and plan on being here a long, long time. I’ve made that commitment to my players, staff and recruits.”

-- Gary Klein