Report: Arkansas' Eric Musselman clear 'leader' in USC coaching search ahead of Wednesday interview

Eric Musselman is the “leader” in the USC basketball coaching search, according to Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68.

“Muss has been the leader at USC,” Goodman wrote on Twitter. “He made Arkansas relevant after a pair of Elite 8’s and a Sweet 16. Washington AD Jen Cohen has enlisted agent/consultant/deal negotiator Matt Kelly and the pair have targeted Eric Musselman. There’s also some interesting dynamics at play here with this search.”

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Musselman emerged as a candidate Tuesday when We Are SC reported the Arkansas coach was set to fly to Los Angeles and interview with the school Wednesday.

This comes on the heels of former coach Andy Enfield leaving for SMU. That left quite the opening for a team headed to the Big Ten in 2024.

In five years with the Razorbacks, Musselman is 111-59 overall and made it to three NCAA Tournaments, including back-to-back Elite Eight’s in 2021 and ’22.

However, Musselman and Arkansas missed out on this year’s NCAA Tournament with a 16-17 record. He led Nevada for four years prior to Arkansas, going 110-34 and made it to three NCAA Tournaments.

Overall, Musselman is 221-93 as a head coach. Previously, it seemed Arkansas confirmed Musselman would return to the school.

But once Enfield left for SMU, it opened up a new can of worms in the college basketball coaching carousel.

There is enticing talent at USC, such as Isaiah Collier, a former five-star recruit. Not to mention Bronny James, the son of LeBron James. However, it remains to be seen if one or both will declare for the NBA Draft due to interest or the coaching change.

Not to mention the transfer portal as well, something Musselman isn’t afraid to use one way or another.