Report: USC has contacted Kris Richard about defensive coordinator position

A potential homecoming could be in play for Kris Richard.

USC insider Scott Wolf reported Saturday that the Trojans have reached out to the ex-Dallas Cowboys assistant about their defensive coordinator position.

Richard, 40, attended college at USC and returned to the program after a brief NFL career to become a graduate assistant. He then followed Trojans head coach Pete Carroll to the Seattle Seahawks, eventually becoming the defensive coordinator there. For the last two seasons, Richard served as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for the Cowboys.

After going 8-5 last season, USC is looking for a new defensive coordinator to replace the fired Clancy Pendergast, who had led the defense for the last four seasons. Richard drew interest for some NFL head coach openings in recent weeks as well, and the Trojans have been known to hire familiar faces.