Southern Cal was poised to make a strong pitch for Ron Turner if it had lost to Notre Dame last weekend, according to sources.
But Turner, a California native, has had his eye on the Illinois coaching position for quite some time.
John Robinson saved his job, but there could be some other changes to his coaching staff at USC. Offensive coordinator Mike Riley reportedly will interview for the head position at Oregon State after already interviewing for the Fresno State job. He also has been contacted by the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
USC defensive coordinator Keith Burns is a candidate at Southern Methodist and Baylor. There is talk Athletic Director Mike Garrett also had been pushing for Robinson to fire his son, linebackers coach David Robinson, and running backs coach Charles White, who, like Garrett, won the Heisman Trophy at Southern Cal.
More coaching fallout: Jeff Bowers, head coach of Southern Mississippi, is expected to replace Joe Tiller at Wyoming. Tiller was recently named Purdue’s head coach. . . . Arkansas’ Danny Ford already has started housecleaning by letting three assistants go. The Razorbacks went 4-7 this season.
What a guy: Michael Jordan recently told In Style magazine he gets manicures, pedicures and facials during his down time on the road.
“Maybe 20 years ago, I would’ve thought, `That’s feminine.’ But men have needs as well,” Jordan said.
Jordan also said he owns between 100 and 150 suits and he has no trouble spending $200,000 on shopping sprees for shoes and clothing.
Ring search: Mets catcher Todd Hundley recently told the New York Daily News he loves playing in New York but wouldn’t mind playing for the Yankees.
“It’s getting kind of old playing in front of 5,000 fans in July at Shea every year,” said the son of former Cubs catcher Randy Hundley. “I know the money’s going to be there one way or another, but I want a ring.”
Wonder how Hundley feels about playing for the White Sox?
Overheard: Bill Wennington of the Bulls and Will Perdue of San Antonio jumped for the opening tip in last weekend’s game in front of a record crowd. Before the tip, Wennington said to Perdue: “Do you think those 37,000 people would have bought tickets if they knew you and I were going to jump the opening center tip?”
Sports graffiti: William Bennett, co-captain on Northwestern’s Rose Bowl team last year, is featured in the new Kodak commercial with Dennis Rodman. . . . During December home games before Christmas, Wolves fans who bring an unwrapped gift and place it in the “Toys for Tots” barrel will receive a coupon good for $2 off a ticket to any remaining Wolves home game in December. . . . The all-new Trackside Sports Bar has replaced “The Lounge” at Arlington Park International Racecourse. The new place includes 25 television sets, including five big-screen TVs. . . . Jordan Michael Mendal, a 1984 New Trier graduate, has been named sports producer at NBC-Ch. 5.
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Send e-mail to Fred Mitchell at Kick3485@aol.com
