Jones said, "I told them I couldn't leave my players after telling them (UH) I would be here."

The Beavers are seeking a replacement for Dennis Erickson, who left Tuesday to take the San Francisco 49ers' job.

Jones, who has a year left on the original 5-year deal he signed with the Warriors in December of 1998, said that while, "it (the job) was never offered to me," he has twice talked with Beavers' representatives.

He said those included discussions "with the selection committee" and "boosters." Jones said his last contact with OSU was Thursday and lasted "about an hour."

Jones said he was contacted the last two times the Beavers had openings to see if he was interested and made recommendations about other candidates.

Meanwhile, UH officials said they were surprised to learn of a published report that Oregon State pursued Jones without first contacting the school. Athletic director Herman Frazier said: "Oregon State did not contact us" nor ask for permission to contact Jones or his agent, Leigh Steinberg.

Jones, who has been involved in on and off contract extension negotiations with UH for 14 months, has extensive ties to Oregon, where he was born and raised. He attended the University of Oregon before coming to UH in 1973 and played for two years at Portland State after leaving UH. Jones' father and brother live in the Portland area, as have his wife and son since their separation.