New Orleans ? LSU intends to hire Stanford’s Trent Johnson, who led the Cardinal to the Round of 16 in this year’s NCAA Tournament, as its new coach. Several people at LSU familiar with the selection process said a formal announcement was expected today.

Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby said in an e-mail to the Associated Press on Wednesday afternoon that Johnson was given permission to talk to LSU but had not yet resigned.

Johnson has been at Stanford for four seasons, compiling an 80-48 record. He had said recently he hoped to remain at Stanford and had been slated to meet with Bowlsby today to discuss a new contract.