Washington coach Steve Sarkisian interviewed with USC athletic director Pat Haden this past weekend about the Trojans' head-coach opening, a source told ESPN's Brett McMurphy.

Sarkisian appeared on KJR-Radio in Seattle on Monday and confirmed he spoke to Haden over the weekend, adding he wouldn't describe their discussion as an interview. Sarkisian said USC isn't that far along in the process with him yet.

Boise State's Chris Petersen was a top candidate but has withdrawn from consideration, according to the source who spoke to ESPN's Joe Schad on Monday. USC and Petersen had mutual interest, the source said.

USC has also made it known to interim coach Ed Orgeron that it values his contributions to the program and would like him to stay on in some capacity.

On Sunday, Schad reported that Vanderbilt's James Franklin is also a candidate for the job.

The Trojans (9-4, 6-3 Pac-12) are looking for a replacement for Lane Kiffin, who was fired after the team's 62-41 loss Sept. 28 at Arizona State.