by Fitzgerald Cecilio

Los Angeles, CA

University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) basketball coach Tim Floyd has met with USC Athletic Director Pat Haden to discuss a possible return to his former job.

Floyd told the Los Angeles Times that Haden contacted him and the three-hour meeting "went well."

Haden's spokesman did not confirm nor deny the meeting, saying they would have no comment until the coaching search is complete.

Floyd coached USC from 2006 until he resigned in 2009 due to allegations of improper conduct involving the football and basketball teams.

The NCAA found no violation committed personally by Floyd but still penalized USC for alleged actions by star player O.J. Mayo, who played one season for the Trojans.

"I feel they should know that USC reached out, that no violations were found by the NCAA with USC basketball," Floyd said.

"I felt like I got my name back when I got offered a number of jobs when I left USC. Pat and I talked at length," he added.

Floyd led the Trojans to an 85-55 record and to NCAA tournament appearances in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The Trojans, then led by Nick Young, Gabe Pruitt and Taj Gibson, routed the Kevin Durant-led Texas in the second round of the NCAA tournament before falling to North Carolina in the Sweet 16.

The Trojans have been searching a replacement for Kevin O'Neill, who was fired by Haden in January.

The team is currently being coached by Bob Cantu, who was an assistant to Floyd.

Aside from Floyd, the Los Angeles Times reported USC has interviewed Syracuse assistant Mike Hopkins, who grew up in Southern California and played at Orange County hoops factory Mater Dei.

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UTEP's Tim Floyd talks to USC about coaching vacancy