Holtz Reportedly Turns Down Offer From Usc

Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz has reportedly declined an offer to become football coach at Southern California, and it appears John Robinson will keep the job.

Holtz, speaking from his home in Orlando, Fla., wouldn’t directly address the reports Monday.

“I am busy with my wife right now, trying to get her to eat something,” said Holtz, whose wife, Beth, has throat cancer. “The only thing I’m concerned with right now is my wife. I’ve commented previously.”

The Los Angeles Times and Long Beach Press-Telegram said Monday that Holtz had turned down the job.

Seven North Carolina football players have been charged with misdemeanor assault in connection with a late-night fight outside a nightclub in Chapel Hills, N.C., earlier this month that left another student injured.

The seven - including three defensive starters - each have been charged with simple assault, according to court documents.

Those charged include defensive starters Greg Williams, Robert Williams and Kivuusama Mays, reserve receiver Greg Harris and redshirt freshmen defensive linemen Stephon McQueen and Varian Ballard. Ricco McCain, a defensive tackle, was charged on Dec. 7.

Football coach Carl Torbush said he and athletics director Dick Baddour plan to interview the players this week to decide if any punishment is needed for the players.

North Carolina will play Virginia Tech in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 1.

Dennis Franchione, who thrives on rebuilding football programs, believes he can shape struggling Texas Christian into a competitive team.

The 1997 Western Athletic Conference coach of the year will take the reigns at TCU while finishing his season with New Mexico. Franchione has led New Mexico to a 9-3 record and its first bowl appearance since 1961.

He will coach the Lobos for the last time in the Insight.com Bowl against Arizona on Dec. 27.

Oregon State will replace the artificial turf at Parker Stadium with natural grass for the 1999 college football season, the school said.