USC creates a buzz by hiring Andy Enfield to boost low-profile basketball team

FILE - In this March 30, 2013, file photo, Florida Gulf Coast head coach Andy Enfield reacts to action against Florida during the second half of a regional semifinal game in the NCAA college basketball tournament in Arlington, Texas. Southern California hired Enfield as their new men's basketball coach on Monday night, April 1, 2013, after he took Florida Gulf Coast to the round of 16 of the NCAA tournament.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) (The Associated Press)

Amanda Marcum, wife of Florida Gulf Coast head coach Andy Enfield, answers a question during practice for a regional semifinal game in the NCAA college basketball tournament, Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. Florida Gulf Coast faces Florida on Friday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (The Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES – Southern California athletic director Pat Haden says he wants to make basketball relevant at the Pac-12 school known for its powerhouse football program.

So he went out and hired Andy Enfield of Florida Gulf Coast, who has been one of the most buzzed-about coaches since making the Eagles the first No. 15 seed to reach the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament. They upset No. 2 seed Georgetown and No. 7 seed San Diego State before losing to Florida.

Haden says USC didn't spend much time considering Enfield, who entered the job search late, but that the private school did a thorough job of checking him out.

Enfield says the whole process was quick, but that when he realized he wanted to join the Trojans, that's all it took.