Sarkisian says he hasn’t been offered the job

Published 7:53 pm Thursday, December 4, 2008

Ok, now this is just getting nuts. Sarkisian talked to reporters in LA tonight about the report, and among the other things he said, one was that he has not been offered the job.

Here’s the transcript.

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR STEVE SARKISIAN (regarding ESPN reports that he will become Washington head coach):

“Not as of now. Contact has been made. I’m honored to be a candidate. But right now, my focus is on the UCLA game Saturday.

“I have interviewed with Washington. They’ve interviewed a lot of people. I’m one of a number of candidates, which I’m honored to be. Nothing is finalized in any way, shape or form. There’s been some communication. Nothing has been put in writing.

“As far as I’m concerned, I’m a candidate and honored to be. As of right now, Thursday night, I’m getting ready for Saturday. That’s ESPN’s report, not Washington’s or mine. It comes with the territory: job openings and speculation. The key is to focus on the job Saturday and not this conversation.

“I have not been offered the job. The interview went well, learning about each other. I’ve always been patient regarding head coaching opportunities. I assess each separately. They interview me, and I assess the job as well, like I did with the Oakland job. It’s a process. Neither party wants to rush into it.

“We’re still playing. We’re playing for the conference championship on Saturday. That’s my focus.

“Nothing is set up tonight to talk to them.

“Maybe ESPN knows more than I know. Maybe that’ll be good news. My focus is our game this week.

“I wouldn’t accept it before our game Saturday. The focus is on the game Saturday.

“Pete (Carroll) understands the situation and is on the same page.”