Nothing was set in stone, but a win against Los Angeles rivals UCLA would have all but shored up the head football coach job at USC for Ed Orgeron.

According to the Los Angeles Times, USC athletic director Pat Haden spoke with Orgeron after the 35-14 loss to UCLA, but not about the interim coach's future with the program.

"We just talked about going ahead and recruiting, going ahead and doing what I need to do," Orgeron said told reporters. "He'll talk to me when he's ready, I'm sure."

Since Lane Kiffin's firing after a loss to Arizona State, Orgeron was named the Trojans' interim head cocah while Haden led a search for a permanent coach. USC went 6-2 under Orgeron, losing only to UCLA and Notre Dame, and he recently expressed his desire to be the Trojans' permanent coach.

Jack Del Rio, the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos and a USC graduate, interviewed for the Trojans' head coaching position in November. The L.A. Times reported candidates like Vanderbilt's head coach James Franklin, Boise State's Chris Petersen and Washington's Steve Sarkisian would be each be a good fit for Haden's program.

According to ESPN Los Angeles, Sarkisian interviewed for the position over the weekend. While it is not clear if he interviewed, Franklin was considered a candidate and Petersen asked to be left out of consideration. ESPN LA cited sources who said the search is nearing its completion and that the school told Orgeron they would like him to stay in the program despite what may happen.

The UCLA loss also will send USC most likely to the Las Vegas Bowl against either Fresno State or Utah State, whoever wins the Mountain West Conference. Orgeron did not wish to comment on the team's pending bowl game.

"It's another game for us to play," he told reporters. "So, we'll be excited to go anywhere and get to practice with our team and get better."

According to the L.A. Times, players like junior tight end Xavier Grimble are expressing their support for "Coach O," as they refer to him.

"It's not over," junior tight end Xavier Grimble said. "That's what makes Coach O so special. I feel like through tough situations, he's able to pull in the team and get us back together."

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