USC is saying no to giving permission to the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals to interview Trojans offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, league sources told ESPN.

Sources said a perfect storm of the NFL’s new enforcement of an old rule has led to the situation where the Jets and Cardinals can’t talk to one of their head-coaching candidates.  

“If permission is denied, the NFL club should respect that decision just as it would respect a similar decision from another NFL club,” the rule states in part. “NFL clubs that fail to follow these protocols may be subject to disciplinary action for conduct detrimental to the League.”

USC’s refusal to release Kingsbury for interview has prevented the Jets and Cardinals from meeting with a candidate.

Could be a good thing. 

He looks like a great candidate on the surface, but I don’t see it working out for him as a head coach in the NFL.