Officials at the University of Arizona have...

Officials at the University of Arizona have instigated discussions with head football Coach Larry Smith, a candidate to replace Ted Tollner as USC coach, about a multiyear contract in hopes that he’ll remain at the school.

Allen Biegel, vice president for university relations, said that when the Arizona Board of Regents decided to approve multiyear contracts Dec. 12, university President Henry Koffler authorized Athletic Director Cedric Dempsey to start talking with Smith.

Dempsey, contacted in Hawaii where Smith and the Wildcats are preparing for Saturday’s Aloha Bowl game with North Carolina, said he initiated talks with Smith. He said he believed Smith knew he was speaking on Koffler’s behalf.