Morrison Is ‘Flattered’ by Talk of Cal Job, but He’s Concentrating on USC Recruiting

USC basketball Coach Stan Morrison said Wednesday that he is “flattered” to be mentioned as a candidate for the University of California’s vacant coaching job.

But he’s probably not interested.

“Right now, I’m working my rear end off to see that USC has its best recruiting class ever,” Morrison said. “I have not spoken to a soul from Cal, and no one has talked to me. Every time there has been an opening there since 1970, my name has come up because I’m a grad. I want you to know that my interest in who gets the job is merely as someone who is in the coaching business. I’m a graduate of Cal and I’d like to see that program be successful.”

Another prime candidate to become Cal coach is Fresno State Coach Boyd Grant.

“If the institution contacted me and had an interest, then maybe I’d have an interest,” Grant told the San Francisco Chronicle. “Fresno has always treated me well, but I have a son to raise, and there comes a time. . . . Maybe they’d want a new person there (at Fresno), too.”

The Cal job opened up Monday, when Dick Kuchen announced his resignation after a 5-13 season and a mediocre 80-112 record with only one winning season since his arrival in 1978.

Others mentioned in connection with the job include San Jose State Coach Bill Berry, Cal assistant Russ Critchfield and ex-Clipper Coach Jim Lynam.