USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett strikes out with Pitt’s Dixon again

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USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett has always taken the pedestal-stance that if someone doesn’t want to coach at his university, he’d find someone who does. Apparently, that does not apply to Pittsburgh’s Jamie Dixon.

A source familiar with the USC basketball program said that Dixon was approached for a second time and again said, ‘no, thanks.’ Dixon was contacted after Tim Floyd resigned, but talks went nowhere because he insisted on an out-clause in the event USC was placed on NCAA probation, another source familiar with the USC athletic department said earlier this week. USC officials were unwilling to grant it.

The NCAA is investigating USC’s football and basketball programs.

The continuing pursuit of Dixon could further mar the basketball program, which had three players declare early for the NBA draft and also lost five recruits. Whoever is hired may now be perceived as second choice, at best.

USC interviewed Sacramento Kings’ Coach Reggie Theus on Thursday and was also considering former Oklahoma City Thunder Coach P.J. Carlesimo as of Tuesday.

-- Chris Foster