The University of Southern California's head football coaching gig will be linked to several high-profile candidates. While the early rumors have centered on Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, two other current NFL coaches will also garner a look.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on NFL Network's GameDay Morning on Sunday that New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton and Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly are among those who will be considered for the USC job.
Per Rapoport, USC is interested in Payton and will likely contact the Super Bowl-winning coach during the hiring process. Rapoport reported on Thursday that Payton is expected to consider other opportunities after the season. A move to college wouldn't require compensations to be paid to the Saints -- as it would were he to transfer to another NFL team.
Payton's daughter attends Pepperdine University, located in Malibu, so moving to USC would bring the coach within closer proximity.
Rapoport reported that Kelly would have some interest in USC, but added "a source close to him points out that Chip Kelly really likes to be liked and wanted, so that may be driving some of his interest."
Just six weeks into the 2015 season, we have miles to go before the future of either coach will be determined. While USC boasts a major brand in a major market that can pay major dollars, whether Kelly or Payton or Harbaugh would want to recruit college kids is a big question mark. A query that we are far from answering.
