Keyshawn Johnson sounds off on Mike Tomlin's viral rejection of USC opening

Keyshawn Johnson is intently watching the USC Trojans, as their coaching search unfolds with shocking names dropping left and right. Earlier this week, former USC quarterback Carson Palmer dropped the most surprising name of all — naming Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin as a candidate.

Yesterday, Tomlin emphatically denied any interest is leaving his post for USC.

“That will be the last time I address it. Not only today but moving forward. Never say never, but never. OK?” stated Tomlin. “Anybody else got any questions about any college jobs. There’s not a booster with a big enough blank check.”

There’s a denial, and then there’s what Tomlin said regarding his name being thrown in the hat.

Johnson: ‘I don’t think we’re pursuing him.’

The possibility of Tomlin leaving the Steelers for USC was bonkers to begin with, and Johnson recognized that on today’s episode of Keyshawn, JWill and Max.

“I mean, he doesn’t want the job .. I don’t think we were going to offer him the job, I don’t think we were pursuing him,” stated Johnson. “I get what Mike Tomlin is saying when you look at it on the surface. He’s a professional coach, this is what he’s been doing — he hasn’t coach in college since I think he was at Cincinnati back in like ‘97 or something like that. If he became available, it would be like — who’s sending the jet? They couldn’t book the runways fast enough.”

Of course, Johnson respects Tomlin and his ability as a coach. If by some off-chance Tomlin did become available, almost every football would line-up to hire him — professional and college.

While Palmer’s revelation won’t lead to a hire, Johnson realizes why the former USC quarterback would drop Tomlin’s name.

“I could understand why Carson Palmer would mention his name in a situation like this. He’s a fun guy, he’s young enough .. so I could see where he would mention the name,” said Johnson. “He’s fun .. but he’s not going anywhere.”

Keyshawn Johnson would welcome Mike Tomlin to USC with open arms. However, the former Trojans star isn’t getting his hopes up regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach.