A new candidate has reportedly emerged in Auburn’s head-coaching search. _Here’s a look at Louisiana Tech coach Derek Dooley:
NAME: Derek Dooley
POSITION: Head coach, athletics director at Louisiana Tech
IN THE NEWS: Dooley was thought to be a serious candidate for the open head-coaching position at Mississippi State, but removed himself from the running.
Last week, Dooley released a statement that took him out of the running for the Mississippi State job.
“There has been speculation that I am entertaining other head coaching jobs,” Dooley said through a statement. “I have not been interviewed or contacted by anyone at another university, and I have no intentions of leaving Louisiana Tech. My family and I are very happy in Ruston, and we look forward to continuing to build on the success that our program has achieved in a short time.”
However, The Birmingham News reported Tuesday that Dooley interviewed with Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs about Auburn’s job.
Louisiana Tech originally sent out the same release on Tuesday when word broke about Dooley interviewing.
Later in the evening, though, the University sent out another release.
“Obviously, representatives from Auburn spoke with many people around the annual National Football Foundation event,” Dooley said through the statement. “I was one of the many but any further comment on this matter would be inappropriate at this time.”
Dooley does not deny that he interviewed for the job in the newest statement.
BACKGROUND: Dooley, son of former Georgia coach Vince Dooley, has compiled a 15-22 record during three seasons.
He is coming off his first winning season at Louisiana Tech, guiding the Bulldogs to a 7-5 record including a win over SEC opponent Mississippi State. Dooley also led Louisiana Tech to the Independence Bowl – the program’s third bowl trip in 20 years.
Dooley has worked with Alabama head coach Nick Saban for seven total years – two years as a Miami Dolphins assistant coach and five years as an LSU assistant coach.
– Luke Brietzke
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