Mike Tomlin's Got No Time For USC Speculation

Along with Jeff Fisher, Luke Fickell, James Franklin and a host of others, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is a big name coach who's recently been linked to the open USC job. But don't expect Tomlin to be moving from Western Pennsylvania to Southern California anytime soon.

Based on his Tuesday afternoon comments, the likelihood of Tomlin coaching USC seems as plausible as O.J. Simpson giving the Trojans' commencement address this spring.

Addressing the rumors surrounding potential interest in the USC gig, Tomlin told the media on Tuesday: "Hey guys, I don't have time for that speculation. I mean, that's a joke to me. I got one of the best jobs in all of professional sport. Why would I have any interest in coaching college football?"

One reason to assume he'd have an interest in the job would be the money. But California riches aren't of interest to Tomlin, who apparently subscribes to the "mo' money, mo' problems" theory.

"There's not a booster with a big enough blank check," said Tomlin during his weekly press conference.

Technically, Tomlin didn't close the door on abandoning the AFC North for the Pac-12, but he did turn off the lights, put a closed sign in the window and forwarded all his calls to voicemail, saying: "That will be the last time I address it. Not only today, but moving forward. Never say never, but never. OK?"

Tomlin and the Steelers visit the Browns this Sunday on Halloween. If USC still comes knocking at Tomlin's house, looks like they'll be getting the trick instead of a treat.

 

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