OU coach linked to openings

<br>(Norman-AP) -- Oklahoma basketball coach Kelvin Sampson's name is being mentioned in connection with coaching vacancies around the country. <br><br>A Columbia, South Carolina, newspaper says Sampson

Tuesday, March 13th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Norman-AP) -- Oklahoma basketball coach Kelvin Sampson's name is being mentioned in connection with coaching vacancies around the country.

A Columbia, South Carolina, newspaper says Sampson and Rick Pitino are attractive possibilities for the South Carolina job. Gamecock coach Eddie Fogler was forced to resign yesterday.

Sampson's name is also mentioned by E-S-P-N-dot-com as a possible candidate for the job at Michigan. A Grand Rapids, Michigan, television station is reporting that Wolverine coach Brian Ellerbe will be fired today.

An associate athletic director for the Sooners says Sampson prefers not to comment on any coaching vacancies.

During the Sooners' awards banquet last week Sampson said he hopes to coach at Oklahoma for another 25 years.