SC NOTEBOOK: KIFFIN SAYS NO TO BUCS OF NFL.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

Though USC coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Norm Chow became hot topics during offseason coaching searches, Trojans wide-receivers coach Lane Kiffin also had a tough decision to make. But he turned down an offer to become an assistant with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Kiffin's father, Monte, is Tampa Bay's defensive coordinator, and Lane Kiffin was offered a position on offense by Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden.

``It's tough. My family is there. My wife worked for the Bucs,'' Kiffin said. ``But the NFL's a cut-fast deal. The average stay is three years.''

Kiffin, 27, also said he wanted to stay at USC after being part of Carroll's first two years and enjoying some success in finishing last season 11-2.

``We've got things going at USC with Pete Carroll. It's fun to be at USC,'' he said. ``It felt right to stay. I'd put too much into here and the head coach to leave it. The season last year, I can't imagine having any more fun. We can do this four years in a row.

--Allmond out: Cornerback Marcell Allmond said he suffered a stress fracture in his lower leg while jumping a hurdle during track workouts last week and probably will be out the rest of spring practice.

``He's going to be slowed down for a while,'' Carroll said. ``I don't think he'll be back.''

Cornerback Kevin Arbet also sat out Tuesday's practice with a sore foot, leaving John Walker of Birmingham High in Lake Balboa and William Buchanon as the starting corners.

--Quarterback update: A starting quarterback could be named as soon as this weekend, but Carroll still hadn't declared a leader after practice.

``They're real close,'' he said. ``This is a huge week for them. I hope to (name a starter), but I've got to see what happens.''

--Permanent move: Sophomore Justin Wyatt said he's been told he'll play offense exclusively despite earlier comments that he would play offense and defense.

``It's strictly offense now,'' Wyatt said. ``That's cool. I wouldn't mind going both ways, but now I'm on offense.''

It's hard to keep calling Wyatt the surprise of spring practice when he continues to make big plays every day. On Tuesday, he again drew praise from Carroll.

``He took a short pass and went for a bundle today,'' Carroll said. ``He's had a terrific spring.''

--Camp Carroll: Carroll will hold one-day football camps for high school players April 12-13 at Howard Jones Field. The first day is for offensive and defensive lineman and the second day focuses on skill positions. Information: [phone].

--Staff change: Former sports-information director and current assistant athletic director Jim Perry has been laid off because of budget cutbacks.

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Photo:

MATT CASSEL

Quarterback holds a slight lead in competition to become USC's starter.