Ricky Hunley and Norm Chow aren't exactly in the talking mood.

Hunley, linebackers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Chow, offensive coordinator for the Southern California Trojans, are keeping quiet about their interviews for the UA head football coaching position last week.

Hunley has "respectfully declined" to comment on the situation for now, according to P.J. Combs, Bengals assistant public relations director.

"(Hunley is) on the record as being excited and honored to be considered by some to be a candidate for that spot, but he wants to concentrate on the Bengals and being the Bengals' linebackers coach right now and for the rest of the season," Combs said.

Hunley's team is 6-5 on the season, tied with the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the AFC North division.

Chow, whose 10-1 Trojans are in position to compete for the NCAA National Championship in January's Nokia Sugar Bowl, was equally as silent on the issue.

Talks with UA athletic department officials were "very preliminary," according to USC sports information director Tim Tessalone.

"He wants to focus his attention on the Oregon State game on December 6," Tessalone said.

Chow and Hunley, along with New York Giants defensive coordinator Johnnie Lynn, Oklahoma Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops and UA interim head coach Mike Hankwitz, have interviewed for the job in the last week.

Arizona athletics director Jim Livengood said he expects to announce the UA's final decision by Monday.