Carroll issues annual denial of NFL rumors

It has become part of the natural rhythm of the season, an annual occurrence that Pete Carroll anticipates every November.

As bottom-tier NFL teams struggle, Carroll’s name is floated in various media as a possible replacement for coaches in danger of being fired.

“It’s come up every year, so I’m kind of used to it,” Carroll said Monday.

Carroll, who reportedly earned close to $3 million in 2004, agreed to a contract extension last December and said at the time that it would keep him at the school for “the long haul.”

Carroll coached the New York Jets in 1994 and the New England Patriots from 1997-99. He reiterated Monday that he would not entertain offers from NFL teams.

“I’ve got a big job, and I’m not interested,” he said. “I’m excited about what’s coming up and what we’re doing and what’s going on here.”

Carroll, 55, has won two national titles and compiled a 61-11 record in five-plus seasons at USC.

He signed a five-year contract worth approximately $1 million annually when he was hired by USC to replace Paul Hackett in December 2000. Carroll received a significant raise after the 2002 season and was among the highest-paid coaches in college football in 2004. He is believed to be working under a five-year contract that renews annually.

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It was only a cameo when the outcome against Stanford was long decided, but freshman tailback Stafon Johnson impressed in his first carries for the Trojans.

The former Dorsey High star rushed for 17 yards in three carries during the fourth quarter.

“I was just happy to be in the game first and foremost,” Johnson said Monday. “When they call your name, it’s a different feeling.

“I didn’t want to do any cutbacks. I just wanted to show them I could hit the hole and show some aggression.”

Johnson was back on the scout team Monday but optimistic about the possibility of more playing time for the seventh-ranked Trojans, who play No. 21 Oregon on Saturday at the Coliseum.

Junior Chauncey Washington remains the No. 1 tailback. Freshmen Emmanuel Moody and C.J. Gable also have rotated in, but Gable has been slowed some by a groin strain, which could open the door for Johnson.

“C.J. has been a little gimpy, so it makes it more important that [Johnson] is involved and ready to go,” Carroll said. “I wouldn’t hesitate to put him in the game.”

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Senior receiver Chris McFoy returned to practice for the first time since breaking bones in his shoulder area Sept. 30 against Washington State.

McFoy has not been cleared for contact drills. He had X-rays Monday and will be examined today.

Carroll said it was unlikely that McFoy would be cleared to play against Oregon.

Asked what he planned to provide upon his return, McFoy said, “Aggressiveness. That’s all I’ve got, and I kind of like that I’m coming back now toward the end.”

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Idaho has contacted USC about getting out of the 2007 opener at the Coliseum.

USC scheduled the matchup after Nick Holt left the Trojans to become coach at Idaho following the 2003 season. Holt returned to USC as defensive coordinator in February and was replaced by Dennis Erickson.

“We anticipate we’ll play the game,” said Steve Lopes, a USC senior associate athletic director who handles scheduling. “They have contacted us about different options, but nothing has worked out.”

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Kicker Troy Van Blarcom (groin) was held out of drills but said he would kick today. ... Freshman fullback Stanley Havili, who broke his leg against Arizona on Sept. 23, will be evaluated today.

gary.klein@latimes.com