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McCarney Denies He Interviewed For UM Position

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 29, 2007

Updated: 12/28/2007 11:13 pm

EL PASO, Texas - University of South Florida defensive line coach Dan McCarney disputed a Sporting News report that he had interviewed for the University of Miami's defensive coordinator position.

"I have not interviewed with Miami and have not talked to Miami coach Randy Shannon," McCarney said Friday. "I'm just trying to get our defensive line ready for the Sun Bowl."

Tom Dienhart, of The Sporting News, reported Miami talked to McCarney about its vacant defensive coordinator position. Shannon is looking for a defensive coordinator after firing Tim Walton.

Earlier this month, McCarney was among two finalists for the Northern Illinois job. McCarney withdrew from consideration and NIU hired Southern Illinois coach Jerry Kill.

THREE-PEAT: USF coach Jim Leavitt said playing in a third consecutive bowl is a big benefit for the Bulls.

"Our players are getting used to it. Senior CB Trae Williams told me we're just getting used to practicing after our last game. That's part of the mentality of it all.

"We're getting used to going to bowl games, but you never want to take it for granted. Especially the Sun Bowl. It's a great honor."

UNDERDUCKS: Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said there's no doubt his Ducks are the underdogs in Monday's game.

"We're the underdog, we have something to prove," Bellotti said. "It was a season of ups and downs for us. South Florida is very well balanced. They are going to be good for a long time."

ODDS AND ENDS: Former Alabama LB Cornelius Bennett and Washington coach Don James were honored as 2007 Legends of the Sun Bowl at the bowl's team luncheon Friday. Bennett, who played in two Sun Bowls, said Friday was a typical El Paso day. "The wind, the unpredictable weather and great people," Bennett said. ... Sun Bowl selection chairman John Folmer, who apparently got tired hearing about Thursday's frigid, windy conditions, made this statement: "Monday when CBS turns on the cameras at the Sun Bowl, it will be 62 degrees," he said. "Bank on it." ... The programs at Friday's Sun Bowl luncheon included a listing of every Sun Bowl contest. For the 2007 matchup, it listed FSU and Oregon.

Brett McMurphy

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