Defensive coordinator Steele not leaving UA

UA’s Steele staying put

Although University of Alabama defensive coordinator Kevin Steele interviewed to be the first head coach at South Alabama, sources told The Tuscaloosa News that he’s unlikely to take the job if offered.

USA athletics director Joe Gottfried is expected to announce a hire soon after Wednesday’s National Signing Day — when the Crimson Tide is expected to sign a monster recruiting class — for the upstart program.

South Alabama’s nine-member advisory committee to help with the search met for the last time Friday. Steele and South Florida assistant Dan McCarney, the former head coach at Iowa State, had both interviewed and were at the top of USA’s wish list.

However, according to news outlets in Florida, McCarney turned down an offer from USA on Sunday.

“I was honored to be considered and be involved with it,” McCarney told the Tampa Tribune. “Joe Gottfried is one of the great administrators in college athletics.”

Consequently, USA’s next option could be former Crimson Tide assistant coach Sparky Woods, who was previously South Carolina’s head coach (1989-93).

For Steele, the move would likely mean a step down in pay. He made $350,000 this past season at Alabama, and his contract runs through 2010. It includes a $70,000 buyout. USA’s budget for a head coach is thought to be between $200,000 and $275,000 per year.

Also, South Alabama will essentially play at a club level in 2009, and its first full schedule the following year. After two seasons in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-AA), the Jaguars will move up and compete in the Sun Belt Conference in 2103 — though Conference USA is reportedly interested in quickly adding the program.

The 49-year old Steele, who has family in West Blocton, left Florida State last year to join Nick Saban’s staff as defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach. He was Baylor’s head coach from 1999-2002 before moving to Florida State.

— Christopher Walsh