Auburn AD: Tuberville's Resignation a Surprise

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs says he was shocked when Tommy Tuberville resigned as football coach.

Jacobs said Thursday that he and university President Jay Gogue tried to talk him out of it the previous day and had never considered firing him.

Auburn has hired consultant Bill Carr to help with the search for a new coach. Jacobs said to his knowledge no university representative has been in contact with a potential candidate.

Auburn's wish list reportedly could include Texas Tech's Mike Leach, Louisiana Tech's Derek Dooley and current coaches-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher of Florida State and Will Muschamp at Texas.

Jacobs said there were no financial constraints for the hire.

Tuberville stepped down after 10 seasons.

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