While USC athletic director Pat Haden has said the Trojans' coaching search would be kept private in the wake of Lane Kiffin's firing, several names have emerged as top candidates. Among the names are ex-Colts coach Tony Dungy, Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin and Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton.
Dungy told "The Dan Patrick Show" that USC officials reached out to gauge his interest in taking over the football program.
"Representatives of the organization have called - your people called my people, just to see if you're interested," Dungy said on Monday, via Pro Football Talk.
He left no room for speculation and quickly dismissed any notion of him coaching the Trojans. When asked his answer, Dungy said: "Not interested."
Dungy said he had no desire to return to the sidelines, but suggested USC go after "a great college coach."
Del Rio, another ex-NFL head coach and a former Trojan, was reported by several media outlets as a top target for USC. Del Rio demurred on questions about his interest in the vacancy.
"No. No. No, there's nothing to speak on that subject," Del Rio told the Associated Press on Thursday, prior to the Broncos-Cowboys game. "I'm really here to talk about the Cowboys and our preparation in getting ready for them."
The day after USC fired Kiffin, Del Rio made it clear his name attached to the USC job was just a rumor.
"There isn't anything to say," said Del Rio on Sept. 30, via ESPN. "It's all speculation at this point, I've got a job to do here, my focus is right here."
Sumlin is another reported candidate for the gig, although his interest in leaving A&M is uncertain. Boise State coach Chris Petersen and Hamilton, the former coach at Stanford, are also rumored to be in the running, according to Pro Football Talk.
Ed Orgeron, who began the season as USC's defensive line coach, became the interim head coach upon Kiffin's firing.