Garrett Holds Talks With Parker at USC

USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett’s nationwide search for a men’s basketball coach took him home Wednesday when he met with Trojan interim Coach Charlie Parker.

Although Garrett held negotiations with Duke assistant Tommy Amaker earlier this week, he discussed a possible contract with Parker, sources said. Still, Parker’s future with the Trojans remains in question as USC administrators try to find a coach who will take the job for a comparatively small contract.

USC is paying off former coach George Raveling’s contract this season and next. Raveling resigned shortly before the season after suffering serious injuries in a car accident. Parker, Raveling’s longtime assistant, was named interim coach two days before the season.

Garrett said Wednesday he met with Parker for the first time in a week but would not elaborate on what was said.

Although discussing contracts with potential candidates, Garrett has not made a formal offer to anyone, sources said.

The Trojan basketball banquet is scheduled for Monday, and USC administrators are hoping to have a decision on next season’s coach sometime next week, sources said.