College Football

Chip Kelly, David Shaw bluntly deny any interest in USC job

The job as Trojans head coach isn't for everyone.

By Chris Fuhrmeister@ccfuhr Oct 1, 2013, 4:36pm EDT

With Lane Kiffin out the door, USC is set to embark on a coaching search that will assuredly feature a number of high-profile candidates. However, not everyone on the Trojans' wish list will be looking to make the move, and two names reportedly drawing interest -- Chip Kelly and David Shaw -- aren't reciprocating.

Asked Chip Kelly about http://t.co/hiThAeCj4G report that he was a USC candidate. Looked at me like I'm crazy, and emphatically said "no."
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) October 1, 2013

David Shaw, when jokingly told he's on USC's "short list" -- "It might be short, but it's one person too long."
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) October 1, 2013

After leading the Oregon Ducks for four seasons, Kelly is just four games into his NFL career as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, and while his 1-3 record leaves much to be desired, it's hard to imagine he's ready to give up on trying to prove his up-tempo spread offense can work in The League. Even if Kelly wanted to consider the USC job, he's facing a show-cause penalty from the NCAA until the end of the 2014 season.

More on USC: Conquest Chronicles

Shaw, who coaches a few hours north of USC at Stanford, is in his third season leading the Cardinal, and he's compiled an impressive 27-4 record overall and 18-2 mark in the Pac-12. Continuing to build upon the foundation left by former Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh, Shaw has proved his ability to lead a program, and he would no doubt be a solid hire for the Trojans. But, he's a Stanford alum, and by all accounts he's happy to stay with his alma mater.

Other coaches reportedly linked to the USC job include Texas A&M's Kevin Sumlin and Oregon State's Mike Riley, both of whom denied interest. Vanderbilt's James Franklin has also been asked about coaching the Trojans, but he isn't answering those questions. Right now, Vegas likes Denver Broncos defensive coordinator -- and former Trojans linebacker -- Jack Del Rio and Boise State head coach Chris Petersen as the favorites to get the gig.