Pitt's Jamie Dixon dodges question; spokesman says very little more
Pittsburgh basketball Coach Jamie Dixon answered the phone quickly, after one ring. Upon learning it was a newspaper reporter, he responded, just as quickly, "I have a recruit on the other line. Can I get your number and call you back?"
Dixon took down the number, then upon being asked "Are you interested in the USC job," replied, 'I'll have to call you back."
More than two hours later the call came ... from a sports information official, who said, "This is probably not the person you expected." He then gave the stump speech, saying: "Jamie’s personal practice is not to discuss the coaching searches of other schools, so he will respectfully decline comment.”
A source familiar with the situation said USC has not asked Pittsburgh for permission to speak to Dixon. While back-channel contacts are common in these instances, the idea of Dixon coming west remains a long-shot.
Meanwhile, USC officials confirmed what was reported in The Times last week with a release saying that recruit Derrick Williams (La Mirada High School) has been released from his scholarship. That's five recruits USC has lost since April.
-- Chris Foster
Photo: Pittsburgh Coach Jamie Dixon watches his team play Villanova in the NCAA Tournament on March 26. Credit: Frank Victores / US Presswire.
