Here's giving Carroll the benefit of the doubt
PETE CARROLL told a news conference Tuesday upon his return to USC that he met with Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga for four hours in Costa Rica, liked what he heard about the Miami job and will take Huizenga's next call if it comes.
"I'm kind of anxious to see what he does," Carroll said.
He said the Miami job has all the elements he's always talked about, and knows of no other NFL opportunity like the one being presented by Huizenga.
"He's structured a program for the head coach that gives him the entire say from top to bottom," Carroll said. "It's a one-voice program."
He went on to say, "[Huizenga] is an awesome guy."
Carroll also said, "I'm thrilled to be here;" he intends to coach USC next season. He said his discussions with Huizenga only "strengthened his resolve," knowing more than ever now he has a great situation at USC.
Confused? So were most of the reporters in attendance -- because given several chances to close the door on Huizenga and the Dolphins, Carroll declined, leaving open the possibility that he might accept the post if offered the job.
THIRTY MINUTES later, my cellphone rang. It was Carroll.
He said he heard I had a question. I had several.
He said, "I'm not going anywhere."
I said, "Then why didn't you say that at your news conference?"
"I thought I did," Carroll said.
I explained to him that his remarks left the door open, and at best were contradictory. I said it was my impression that most of the reporters who walked away from that session left believing there was a real chance he might take the Miami job if given the chance.
"When you say this strengthens your resolve that you have the best situation at USC and then leave the door open to hear again from Huizenga -- that's contradictory."
"I'm not leaving USC," Carroll said. "I'm telling you."
"You mentioned during your news conference that [former Dolphins coach] Nick Saban changed his mind," I said. "What's to say Huizenga doesn't call you at 10 tonight with everything you want in the way of control -- all the i's dotted and all the t's crossed? What's to say you won't change your mind and take that?"
"I'm telling you, I'm not going anywhere," Carroll repeated.
"On a stack of 100 Bibles," I said, and keeping in mind how many college coaches have flat-out lied recently, I thought 100 ought to do it, "you're telling me you are not going to leave USC?"
