AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville's job was not in jeopardy when he decided to step down and he declined several requests from his bosses to reconsider, athletic director Jay Jacobs said Thursday.
Jacobs said Tuberville's departure after 10 mostly successful seasons was "completely his decision" and that the coach would be leading the Tigers next season if he had not chosen to leave.
"To say the least, I was a little shocked," the AD said. "But after three times of asking him would he change his mind, he convinced me that the best thing for him and his family and for this football program was for him to possibly take a year off and take a step back.
"I asked him three times (to reconsider), and so did the president," he said.
Jacobs said he and the president agreed to pay Tuberville the buyout price of $5.1 million -- even though it was not required since he wasn't fired -- because they felt it was "the right thing to do."
Tuberville resigned Wednesday afternoon during the third day of meetings with Jacobs and, at times, university president Jay Gogue, following the Tigers' 5-7 season, the worst of the coach's tenure.
Tuberville did not appear at Jacobs' news conference and did not immediately return a phone message.
Auburn has hired the consultant firm CARR Sports Associates, Inc. to assist in the search, but Jacobs said "to my knowledge" no university representative has contacted any potential candidates regarding the job.
Auburn's wish list reportedly could include Texas Tech's Mike Leach, Louisiana Tech's Derek Dooley, Arkansas' Bobby Petrino and current coaches-in-waiting Jimbo Fisher of Florida State and Will Muschamp at Texas. Jacobs said he had a list of potential candidates and didn't rule out hiring current assistants. He declined to release names.
The cost of hiring a replacement has escalated in recent seasons. Southeastern Conference Western Division rivals Nick Saban at Alabama and LSU's Les Miles are both making in the $4 million range.
Tuberville's annual salary averaged $3.3 million. Jacobs said Tuberville will be paid the $5.1 million from athletic department funds.
"Financially, we will not have any constraints," Jacobs said. "But this league has stepped it up. The tree has gotten a lot taller. And it's gotten a lot more competitive. And we're going to hire someone who is equally competitive."
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, an Auburn trustee, said he would submit "one or two names" for the vacancy but wouldn't say who.
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