Holtz Denies He’s Been Offered ‘Sc Job

With USC apparently shopping for a football coach while John Robinson still has the job, former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz denied Saturday he has been offered the position even though a USC source and two sources close to Holtz insist it is his if he wants it.

“Absolutely not. Nothing could be further from the truth. I’ve never been offered the job at USC,” Holtz said.

Asked if he had been involved in talks with USC, Holtz would not directly answer, repeating only, “I have not been offered the job.”

A USC source said Holtz already has turned down the job at least once.

At this point, it seems as if Robinson might hold onto his job only if athletic director Mike Garrett - who has been open in his admiration for Holtz - can’t find a big-name coach who wants it.