NFL NOTEBOOK: DOLPHINS SWIMMING TO CARROLL?

Byline: Staff and Wire Services

Did USC coach Pete Carroll interview for the Miami Dolphins head- coaching position Sunday?

It could be a coincidence, but Carroll spent this weekend in Costa Rica, and Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga's private jet flew into the country Sunday morning and departed that night. The jet is the one used for job interviews by Huizenga.

The Miami Herald reported on its Web site that the Dolphins want to know whether Carroll is interested in returning to the NFL after failed stints with the New York Jets and New England Patriots.

Depending on the answer Carroll gave, he could become Miami's leading candidate to replace Nick Saban, the report said.

Carroll has been unavailable for comment all weekend because he is ``out of town '' according to USC officials. But sources said Carroll is on the list of candidates for the Dolphins, and he always has interested Huizenga.

Carroll said last week he was not interested in any NFL jobs and would return to USC next season.

-- Scott Wolf

Petrino bird of a different color: University of Louisville coach Bobby Petrino agreed to become the new coach of the Atlanta Falcons, moving to the NFL less than a week after Jim Mora's firing.

Petrino joins Atlanta after guiding the Cardinals to a 12-1 season, capped by a 24-13 victory against Wake Forest in the Orange Bowl.

The Falcons planned a formal announcement today.

ESPN.com said Petrino agreed to a five-year, $24 million deal with the Falcons.

Petrino had a 41-9 record in four years at Louisville. His previous NFL experience includes three years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, including a season as offensive coordinator in 2001.

Mac Duff leaves 49ers: Special teams coordinator Larry Mac Duff is leaving the San Francisco 49ers to become an assistant coach at the University of Texas.