Auburn's search for a new football coach is bringing in another name into the Tigers' interview and vetting process: UAB coach Bill Clark.
Multiple sources late Saturday night told FootballScoop that Clark had emerged as “someone of significant interest” as the Tigers' administration has continued to seek the right replacement for the fired Gus Malzahn.
Clark's been a proven winner and garnered national attention for his work atop a UAB program that just a few years ago was shuttered. The Blazers on Saturday captured the Conference USA title at Marshall to wrap up their regular season at 6-3. It's the program's second C-USA title in the past three years, all under Clark's tutelage, since UAB reinstated football in 2017.
An Alabama native, Clark has spent his entire career in his home state at both the high school and collegiate levels. Multiple coaches with deep Alabama ties spoke to FootballScoop about Clark's strong respect at all levels in Alabama.
Clark declined to answer on Saturday when asked by reporters if he planned to or had been contacted by Auburn. Sources confirmed to FootballScoop Saturday night that there had been contact between Clark and the Auburn search committee/firm.
Though just a week old, Auburn's search has been a wild ride.
College football coaches throughout the sport have indicated in-house candidate Kevin Steele, the Auburn defensive coordinator and interim head coach, had an immediate plan and pitch to Auburn officials on Steele's credentials to be Auburn's next head coach as soon as Malzahn was dismissed.
Steele's marshaled key support in some corners at Auburn, including allegedly holding sway with key Tigers' benefactors and some former players.
Auburn also has vetted and worked to set up interviews this weekend with Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and Louisiana head coach Billy Napier. Elliott has stated publicly last night, he doesn't have any "plans to interview [with Auburn] tomorrow".
Yesterday, we noted Parker had been vetting the candidacy of West Virginia head coach Neal Brown as well.
With Parker Executive Search assisting the process, Auburn is scheduled today to have multiple interviews with prospective candidates.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest coaching news.