Auburn Coaching Search Rumors and Innuendo

Auburn's coaching search continues to aimlessly push forward like lava inching down the side of a volcano. Anyone that sees the oncoming flow runs in the other direction for safety and a contract extension.

Turner Gill, head coach of the MAC Champion Buffalo Bulls, is the latest name to get added to the list (via the Columbus-Ledger).

Image: the Buffalo Athletic Dept.

The latest headlines:

-- Buffalo's Gill one to watch - AUTigers.com ($)
-- Auburn gets permission to interview Gill - B'ham News
-- Auburn search centers on Jimbo, Paul and Turner - AL.com
-- Why not Turner Gill? - Mobile Press Register
-- Gill emerges as candidate - Anniston Star
-- Syracuse could reel in Gill - NY Daily News
-- Jimbo Fisher claims no contact with AU - ESPN
-- "Fisher will not leave for AU": FSU President - Orlando Sentinel
-- Georgia Tech working to extend Paul Johnson's contract - AJC
-- Mike Leach's contract extension - Double T Nation

One other name I've seen floated around is Derek Dooley at Louisiana Tech. Dooley is a promising up and comer with an exceptional reputation as a recruiter from his days at LSU. I think most of us in the Dawg Nation want to see him do well, but let's be honest for a minute. Derek has a 12-12 record in two seasons at Louisiana Tech. The idea that Auburn would give him the keys this early into his career seems pretty far fetched.

I could see Derek posting another strong year in the WAC in 2009 and making a run at the Virginia job. The appeal of coaching at his alma mater would be strong, and Al Groh can't keep dodging the executioner for ever. Can he?

As for the Auburn search? It's anyone's guess at this point.

PWD