USC seeks cash to hire Staley

Sources say Hyman wants to go beyond planned budget for high-profile coach

By JOSEPH PERSON - jperson@thestate.com

South Carolina is trying to come up with a financial package to lure Temple coach Dawn Staley to Columbia.

USC athletics director Eric Hyman has spoken with university officials about spending more money on the next women’s coach, according to multiple sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The Gamecocks likely will need the extra resources to land Staley, who is among the country’s 20 highest-paid coaches with an annual guaranteed deal worth about $400,000, according to an industry source. Staley’s contract also includes a sizable buyout, the source said.

Former USC coach Susan Walvius, who resigned last month following an 11-season tenure, made about $200,000 a year, plus incentives.

It is not known whether USC has made an offer to Staley, who received a six-year contract extension last year.

Hyman was attending an athletics directors conference Tuesday in Arizona and attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.

A Temple spokeswoman said Staley would not comment on the situation.

The 38-year-old Staley is the winningest coach in Temple history with a record of 172-80. The Owls have won four Atlantic 10 titles and reached the NCAA tournament six times during her eight-season tenure.

Staley is a native of Philadelphia who played point guard at Virginia from 1989-92 and was a WNBA All-Star. She has deep roots in Philadelphia, where she was a high school star and maintains a charitable foundation.

However, Staley is intrigued by the opportunity to coach in the SEC, according to a person close to Staley.

Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and an assistant for the U.S. team that will play in the Beijing Olympics this summer, was in Columbia last week for an interview.

If Staley stays at Temple, USC could turn to longtime Tennessee assistant Holly Warlick, who has had two interviews with USC officials, or Chattanooga coach Wes Moore.

Reach Person at (803) 771-8496.