It’s not USC representatives who contact Tony Dungy, Denver Broncos

It did not take long for unpredictable plot twists to appear in USC’s coaching search.

During a Monday morning appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” former NFL coach Tony Dungy said he had been contacted regarding the USC job but that he had no interest.

When Patrick asked Dungy whether USC had called him, Dungy said, “They haven’t, but as they say, representatives of the organization have called. Your people called my people just to see if you’re interested.”

On Monday afternoon, the school announced that “individuals posing as USC representatives made overtures to two coaches regarding the Trojans’ head coaching position.”

The announcement cited calls that had been made to the Denver Broncos. Former USC All-American Jack Del Rio, who is regarded as a potential candidate, is the Broncos’ defensive coordinator.

USC said, “A person falsely identifying himself as a high-ranking member of the USC athletic department attempted to make contact several times with the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff to discuss the Trojan job. That person has been identified by USC and appropriate action is being taken.”

In regard to Dungy, the school said, “A person, again not a representative of USC, also has been identified and USC is in the process of contacting that individual.”

Athletic Director Pat Haden said in a statement that Dungy’s discussion about being contacted by USC “was a complete surprise to us. So were the calls to the Broncos.

“I can assure you no authorized representative of USC or our athletic department made these calls.

“As I said last week, we will not comment on every name that comes out. It would be a disservice to our players and coaches, who are devoting everything they have into the remainder of our season. We have a head coach right now in Ed Orgeron. We have not offered the job to anyone.”

Later, Dungy tweeted at USC’s athletic department Twitter feed: “@USC_Athletics I was not contacted by an official USC rep. Turns out it was someone acting on their own. I have apologized to Pat Haden.”

Rogers returns

Freshman receiver Darreus Rogers went through limited drills for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain against Boston College on Sept. 14.

Rogers would be a welcome addition to a thin receiving corps.

All-American Marqise Lee has not practiced since suffering a knee sprain against Arizona State. Orgeron said Monday that Lee was “very questionable” for Thursday night’s game against Arizona. The junior is not expected to play.

Victor Blackwell, who left Sunday’s workout because of illness, completed practice Monday. De’Von Flournoy (ankle) sat out.

Quick hits

Because classes will go on as scheduled Thursday, USC is not permitting tailgating or picnicking on campus before the Arizona game. Also, “Football game attendees will not be permitted to park in on-campus lots. However, campus season parking passes will be honored for this game,” USC said. Information on tailgating, parking and shuttles: WePlayFor2013.com/Thursday.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein