Oklahoman: Sampson staying

(Norman-AP) -- Kelvin Sampson is staying at <br>O-U. <br><br>The Daily Oklahoman reported Thursday morning that Sampson say he met with Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther about coaching the Fighting

Thursday, June 8th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Norman-AP) -- Kelvin Sampson is staying at
O-U.

The Daily Oklahoman reported Thursday morning that Sampson say he met with Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther about coaching the Fighting Illini basketball team.

But Sampson says, quote, "Ron and I discussed the Illinois job, and we both decided to go a separate direction."

Sampson says leaving Oklahoma for Illinois is not, quote, "the no-brainer some people might think it is."

The Oklahoman had reported that Guenther offered a package worth at least $1 million annually, but Sampson would not discuss the details.

Another coach in Oklahoma, Tulsa's Bill Self, said Wednesday that he has not been contacted by Illinois officials.