SC UPDATE: ERICKSON TO DECIDE IN `DAYS'.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

Oregon State athletic director Mitch Barnhart said Wednesday he expects Beavers coach Dennis Erickson to make a decision within ``two or three days'' about becoming the next USC football coach.

As reported in Wednesday's Daily News, Barnhart confirmed he gave Erickson permission to speak to USC on Tuesday.

``I think they had a short conversation with Dennis, and we've had some long conversations with him and we feel very good about where we are with him,'' Barnhart said. ``I think it's pretty close to getting done. I feel very good about Oregon State.''

Barnhart said he has not been contacted by Arizona State for permission to speak to Erickson about its vacant coaching position.

USC has offered the 53-year-old Erickson the coaching position to replace Paul Hackett, and hiring him would be a huge coup. USC intends to exhaust every possibility to convince Erickson to move to Los Angeles before looking seriously at other candidates.

Erickson has not rejected a contract offer from USC, according to sources, and is in the process of making a decision. A sticking point could be his assistant coaches. Erickson has expressed reservations to friends about going to USC, because several top assistants indicated they would not move south.

The only other top candidate remains San Diego Chargers coach Mike Riley, but he has not been contacted by USC. Riley is the popular choice by many inside and outside the athletic department, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who played for Riley at USC in 1994-95.

Meanwhile, Oregon athletic director Bill Moos said he has not been contacted by USC for permission to speak to Ducks coach Mike Bellotti. Although it is unlikely he would leave Oregon, Bellotti is highly respected by USC officials.

Illinois coach Ron Turner remains a long-shot candidate, but his 5-6 record this season makes him a tougher candidate to present to fans.

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Photo: Oregon State coach Dennis Erickson is deciding whether to become the next USC head football coach.

File Photo