The search for a new Pitt football coach might have inched closer to a conclusion yesterday as Pitt athletic director Jeff Long interviewed Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator Bo Pelini in Indianapolis.

Bo Pelini ... Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator

Pelini has been considered one of the top candidates since the search began and became the front-runner once former Miami Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt pulled his name from consideration.

A source close to the situation said the interview between Pelini and Long went "very well" and that the two discussed meeting again, perhaps in Pittsburgh early this week. According to another source, the two had spoken by phone a number of times before yesterday.

A deal, however, won't be finalized until at least tomorrow because Long is scheduled to interview two more candidates -- Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh today and Carolina Panthers defensive line coach Sal Sunseri tomorrow.

Pelini was the third candidate to interview for the job, which came open after Walt Harris accepted the head-coaching job a week ago at Stanford. The other two -- like Cavanaugh and Sunseri -- have Pitt connections.

Thursday, Pitt defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads interviewed for the job and Friday, New York Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis interviewed. Lewis is a former Pitt player; Cavanaugh and Sunseri played and were assistant coaches at Pitt.

Paul Zeise can be reached at pzeise@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1720.