`I'LL RETURN,' ROBINSON TELLS TEAM.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

USC coach John Robinson told his players in a team-meeting Tuesday that he would return next season, although no official decision has been made on his job status.

``He said, `Most of you guys will be back next year. I'm planning on going to the Rose Bowl. I'm going to be back,' '' offensive lineman Travis Claridge said. ``I took it as he's going to be back.''

``He said he doesn't want to go out like that,'' added another player. ``He wants to go out winning the Rose Bowl.''

Robinson tried to downplay his remarks to the team, saying no definite decision has been made on his future.

``I am probably coming back, yes. Don't make it a definite,'' Robinson said after the team meeting. ``My office door is still unlocked. If somebody wants me to not come back, I'm sure they'll tell me. I have every expectation of being here.''

USC athletic director Mike Garrett confirmed Tuesday night that nothing had changed regarding Robinson and a decision would be made after the season.

Robinson did not discuss the status of his coaching staff, whose future has been the subject of much speculation.

During the team meeting, defensive coordinator Keith Burns said he would not look for another job if he did not get hired as head coach by Texas Christian University. Burns is considered a long shot for that job.

Robinson also referred to John Wooden in his remarks to the team, and talked about how long it took Wooden to build UCLA into a basketball power. USC is 12-11 in its past two seasons.

USC (6-5) met for the first time since Saturday's 31-24 loss to UCLA. Robinson told the players he was 85 percent certain the Trojans would receive a bid to the Aloha Bowl, where they would meet Missouri, Texas A&M or Oklahoma State.