Unfortunately this won't end it

http://blog.al.com/trackingtigers/2007/11/speculation_and_observations.html

Speculation and observations

Posted by Phillip Marshall, The Huntsville Times November 07, 2007 9:12 AM

It's unfortunate, really, for Auburn's football team.

There seems to be more talk about head coach Tommy Tuberville and his future than about Auburn's games against Georgia and Alabama. It exploded a couple of days ago when ESPN analyst Andre Ware reported that Tuberville would be Texas A&M's top choice to replace Dennis Franchione.

That's why I believe the Auburn administration and Tuberville should get all this settled next week. That would seem to be a logical time since there is an open date between Georgia and Alabama. But, from everything I hear, it's not going to happen until after the season. That means speculation will swirl for at least three more weeks. I don't see how that's good for anybody.

Having talked to people who are in position to know the lay of the land, I can offer some observations. Among them:

1. The decision on what to offer or not offer Tuberville will be made by president Jay Gogue and athletic director Jay Jacobs. Other than in its proper role of approving contracts, the Board of Trustees will not be involved. Neither will any individual board member be involved.

2. Tuberville will be offered a contract extension. There will be an effort made to address issues important to him.

3. Texas A&M won't be the only school that will want to gauge Tuberville's interest in making a move.

4. Tuberville will not ask to be paid as much as Nick Saban is paid at Alabama.

5. Tuberville does not want to leave. The Auburn administration does not want him to leave. It's simply a matter of coming to an agreement and moving forward.