USC reportedly explored Gophers AD Mark Coyle as candidate for its job

Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle was a candidate USC considered for its AD opening before hiring Washington AD Jennifer Cohen.

USC announced Cohen's hiring Monday afternoon, filling a job that had been open since May.

The Los Angeles Times, citing multiple sources, reported Sunday that Coyle was one of at least three ADs that USC "vetted" for the position. Coyle, who has been at Minnesota since 2016, was not made available for comment for this story.

USC's previous AD, Mike Bohn, resigned in May citing health reasons amid reports he'd created a hostile work environment during his five years leading the program.

The L.A. Times listed Coyle, along with Florida State's Michael Alford and Florida Atlantic's Brian White, as athletic directors USC explored.

Alford released a statement Sunday evening denying he was a candidate for USC's AD job.

Coyle signed a two-year contract extension at Minnesota in February 2022 with raises through 2028.

His base salary in 2020-21 was $975,000. He receives an annual base salary increase of 2.5%. That will increase to 3% in the final three years. His longevity bonus was $150,000 in 2022 and remains if he stays through June 2024.