Reports: Love Smith Interviewed for USC Head Coaching Position

After firing Lane Kiffin back in September following the Trojans 21-point loss against Arizona State, CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reports that USC has already interviewed former Bears coach Lovie Smith for the position.

Lovie Smith was let go by the Bears following a 10-6 season in 2012, and did not receive many offers to land a NFL head coaching job last offseason but could be a much larger candidate in the mix this offseason even more changes expected this year.

This coming just after Smith's son, who serves as his agent, denied a report last month that USC had conducted an interview at that time. According to what La Confora reports, Smith had spoken with USC at that time but no interview was granted.

The Trojans still eye Jon Gruden as a possible NFL candidate for the position, but his ties with ESPN could make a potential move to the collegiate ranks a stiff long shot at this point. Rumors have also tied former USC assistant coach and current Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian to the position as well.

That being said, USC is 3-0 in Pac-12 play under current interim head coach Ed Orgeron and have amassed a combined record of 3-1 during his short tenure. That start, combined with a rejuvenated feeling around the locker room has kept him an open candidate for the position according to Athletic Director Pat Haden.