Tim Floyd, who took USC's basketball program to new heights, was offered the Arizona job Wednesday, a source familiar with the situation said.
The source, who asked to remain anonymous as he was not authorized to speak about the situation, said that Floyd met with Arizona Athletic Director Jim Livengood and was offered the position. Floyd is believed to have 24 hours to make a decision.
Floyd could not be reached for comment and did not respond to a text message.
Arizona asked for permission to speak with Floyd on Tuesday. At the team banquet that night, Floyd gave an impassioned speech to players about staying at USC to win a national title, and not jumping to the NBA. He flew off to interview at Arizona on Wednesday.
"Arizona called me and asked for permission. I gave them permission to talk to him," USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett said. "I know that was in the process."
Asked if he had spoken to Floyd, Garrett said, "He'll come to me and tell me what he's decided. That's how it works."
Floyd, 55, was wooed by Louisiana State a year ago, which offered a multi-million contract. Floyd turned it down and said at the time, "This is my last job at SC."
Said Garrett: "If people don't want to be here they can go somewhere else. And if Tim has decided that, I thought he was a great coach and we've just got to find another great coach."
Asked about a possible coach search, Garrett said, "Of course I always have people in mind and I'll just have to go deal with those people that I have on a short list that I would consider."
Floyd spent the last four seasons at USC, compiling an 85-50 record. The Trojans reached the NCAA tournament the last three seasons, a first in the program's history, and made it to the Sweet 16 in 2007.
This season, USC won the Pacific 10 Conference tournament and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.
"He was just saying that we would have a good year next year and that he believed in us, and that he thinks we could make a Final Four run," USC guard Marcus Simmons said. "Not just win one game, a Final Four run, and have a great team next year if everybody comes back."
Simmons said players were completely in the dark.
"He hasn't shown any signs at all," Simmons said. "When you talk to him, you would think he's staying here forever. No sign at all. I'm clueless right now as to what's going on."
