tubberville addresses texas a&m rumors

[radbag]

from auburnsports.com



Over the years, Tommy Tuberville's name has surfaced in a number of head coaching searches, most recently with openings at LSU and with the Dallas Cowboys.

But the latest rumors have picked up a lot of play nationally.

ESPN reported Monday that Texas A&M was working on a buyout of embattled head coach Dennis Franchione's contract. Multiple media outlets have named Tuberville as the Aggies top choice for a replacement.

But Tuberville says the rumors are just that at this point.

"Every year, for some reason, my name gets thrown in for a lot of them. That's just part of it," said Tuberville.

"I've got friends out there, obviously, and coached there. They've probably got 15 other people on the list. That's the way it is. It's good talk, that's all it is."

Tuberville was the Texas A&M defensive coordinator for one year in 1994 before accepting his first head coaching position with Ole Miss in 1995. He left the Rebels for Auburn in 1999.

Tuberville said he addressed the situation with his team this week to make sure it wasn't a distraction with two big rivalry games – Georgia this weekend and Alabama on Nov. 24 – coming up.

"As I told our players, that's the least of our worries or anybody's worries," said Tuberville. "They work very hard – the players, the coaches and the fans look forward to these two games – and we're not going to ruin it by discussing any of that stuff because anything I say will be looked at, turned around and flipped around. It doesn't make any difference."

So far, it hasn't become an issue with the players according to senior quarterback Brandon Cox.

"Nobody's really talked about it," said Cox. "Nobody's discussed it. We know we have Georgia this week and that's all we are focused on."

While Tuberville says now is not the time to discuss coaching searches or possible contract extensions, he has set aside a time to sit down with Auburn president Jay Gogue and athletic director Jay Jacobs after the season.

"It's better to wait," said Tuberville. "We do it every year. That's how it is done. There's no reason to change that. There's no urgency about anything.

"I told them this is what our players work for, to play these two games. We don't want to break stride from that at all. We want it to be for the players and the fans, and everything else will take care of itself."

Quick Hitters:

***According to Tuberville, LB Craig Stevens did not practice Tuesday and is unlikely to play against Georgia.

***Tuberville said OL Ryan Pugh and PK Wes Byrum practiced Tuesday and are likely to play. Byrum is set to return to his kickoff duties.

"He's back, kicking well," said Tuberville.

***RB/RS Tristan Davis ran on the side Tuesday but is still experiencing soreness in his foot and will not be ready to play this week. He will probably return for the Bama game.

"He's not ready but he's getting pretty close," said Tuberville. "I think the off-week next week and the ability to have 14 days after this Saturday will probably put him in a situation to play."

***Auburn practiced for more than two hours in full pads Tuesday morning. Tuberville described the workout as "excellent" and "spirited" with several fights breaking out.

"Guys were pushing each other around," he said. "You can tell in terms of practice that it's going to be a pretty intense game that you're going to play on Saturday.

"Our focus was there and it's going to need to be on both sides and or kicking game. We're going to have to play one of our best games. We know that Georgia is playing well right now."

***No. 18 Auburn plays at No. 10 Georgia Saturday afternoon with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be carried on CBS Sports.

[a1bion]

Why the heck would Tubbs leave Auburn for A&M? Wishful thinking by the Aggies, I think.

[UFGirlluvr]

Im just scared that if Tubberville did take the job Petrino might end up at Auburn. Damn I hate Petrino

[TTBHG]

I hope and pray that Tubbs takes the job. He has kicked our ass while coaching at Auburn.

[MinGator]

why would he take the job, because all the rumors are that there is a mutual HATE between Tubbs and the trustees.

[Toothy]

why would he take the job, because all the rumors are that there is a mutual HATE between Tubbs and the trustees.

Maintaining the possibility gets you a bigger raise. Tubberville is no moron. He's gonna get paid for beating us two years in a row.