Floyd Begins Making Cuts to Coaching Staff

Incoming USC basketball Coach Tim Floyd, who takes over the Trojans officially April 1, met with members of the interim staff Friday at Heritage Hall to make them aware of plans for his staff.

According to sources, interim Coach Jim Saia was told he could have a to-be-determined position with Floyd, though Saia is more interested in getting a head coaching job. He is thought to be interested in UC Riverside, Loyola Marymount and New Mexico State.

Bob Cantu, who has been recruiting for Floyd and is entertaining 6-foot-7, 254-pound power forward Jeremy Barr from Houston this weekend on his official visit, will be retained in some capacity, sources said.

But Eric Brown, who joined former coach Henry Bibby’s staff in 2001, and Mike Johnson, who was an assistant in 2003-04 and was director of operations this season, have been let go.

Thought to be in the mix to join Floyd is former San Jose State Coach Phil Johnson, who coached with Floyd at the University of New Orleans and the Chicago Bulls.

-- Paul Gutierrez