FIN FOR CARROLL? WITH JARRETT GOING PRO, COACH PONDERING A RETURN TO NFL WITH THE MIAMI DOLPHINS.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF Staff Writer

USC coach Pete Carroll finally arrived on campus Tuesday, just in time for the Trojans to lose All-American wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett to the NFL draft.

Jarrett is expected to announce today he will forego his senior season at a news conference at USC.

``He's compelled by the opportunity and the way he finished the season positioned him to think he could make the most of his opportunity,'' Carroll said.

Is Carroll the next to follow?

Under criticism for being out of the country for several days since the death of kicker Mario Danelo, Carroll talked for the first time since interviewing with the Miami Dolphins in Costa Rica on Sunday.

He did not rule out the possibility of taking the Dolphins job but said he was not offered anything during a four-hour meeting with owner Wayne Huizenga.

``It had the elements I've always talked about (for my ideal NFL job),'' Carroll said.

``I did hear it out and thought it was in my best interests to at least listen. The head coach has the entire say in terms of hiring and personnel. It's a one-voice program.

``We did not talk about offering the job at all. I thought it was worth listening too.''

Carroll said if Miami called him, he would listen to any additional information.

``I'll take his phone call,'' he said. ``I'm anxious to hear what he does.''

Carroll added that he expected to remain at USC.

``What I do will speak volumes. I love this place,'' he said. ``I absolutely expect to stay here. I don't know when they are going to make a decision and I don't expect to hear.''

But he would not say he refused to consider the Dolphins job.

``He wanted to present to me how they do things,'' Carroll said about Huizenga. ``I never thought it was a situation that could be presented. He made a compelling presentation. I told him I'd be happy to listen.''

USC athletic director Mike Garrett did not have much to say about the situation.

``I'm not really worried about it,'' Garrett said.

Carroll said he left Garrett a message informing him of the Dolphins meeting; however, other sources said Garrett was unaware of the interview.

Garrett is believed to already have some candidates in mind if Carroll leaves.

``I've never come close to thinking that (I'm leaving),'' Carroll said. ``I'm not close to that right now. It was good for me to understand what's out there. ``It's no different than (Matt) Leinart, Jarrett or (Reggie) Bush figuring out what their alternatives are.''

A side issue Tuesday was why it took Carroll so long to get back in the country after Danelo's body was discovered at a San Pedro park on Saturday.

``I had a terrible time with my communication down there,'' Carroll said. ``I couldn't get out. I tried. I had to wait for (Tuesday) morning's flight.''

Curiously, the Dolphins were able to contact Carroll on Saturday and arrange Sunday's meeting but USC officials were apparently unable to make the same contact Saturday night.

``This is the best I could do,'' Carroll said. ``My conscience is OK with that.''

He also knows rival schools will use his Miami interview against him in recruiting.

``I understand recruiting innuendoes,'' he said. ``I'm not worried one bit.''

Also: Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin will interview for the Minnesota job Friday. ... Cornerback Terrell Thomas underwent surgery Tuesday on his dislocated shoulder. ... Defensive end Lawrence Jackson underwent surgery last week to remove a bone spur on his ankle and will be sidelined five weeks. ... Fullback Brandon Hancock said he will undergo medical tests on his knee next week, including an MRI, to determine if he will be able to physically play a sixth year. USC has not submitted paperwork yet to the NCAA requesting a sixth year for Hancock. ... USC is going to provide four buses for athletes wishing to attend Danelo's funeral on Friday at Mary Star of the Sea church San Pedro. Services begin at 10:30 a.m.

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4 photos

Photo:

(1 -- 2 -- color) Above, Dwayne Jarrett will announce today that he is skipping his senior season and will enter the NFL draft. Pete Carroll, right, is being wooed by the Miami Dolphins.

Associated Press

(3) Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett will leave USC as the Pac-10's all-time leader in touchdown catches (42).

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

(4) Pete Carroll, seen here coaching the New England Patriots, could return to the NFL.

Stuart Cahill/AFP/Getty Images