Westphal Denies Agreement Reached to Become USC Coach Next Season

Former Phoenix Sun coach Paul Westphal denied Wednesday that he has reached an agreement to become USC’s basketball coach.

“I do not have a deal with USC,” Westphal told the Mesa Tribune. “I’m not negotiating with them, and I don’t have anybody negotiating for me.”

According to USC sources, Westphal became the top candidate to coach the Trojans next season after Athletic Director Mike Garrett fired Charlie Parker Feb. 7. Garrett named Henry Bibby interim coach for the rest of the season, but wants Westphal to take over next season with Bibby as his top assistant, sources said.

When asked by The Times on Tuesday whether he had been offered the job, Westphal refused to comment and said that he was on vacation. NBA sources say that Westphal is still seeking another coaching job in the league.