Auburn wants Tuberville to stay

AUBURN, Ala., Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Following repeated denials, Auburn officials admitted Wednesday they met with Louisville's Bobby Petrino regarding their football coaching position.

In his first season at Lousville, Petrino has been mentioned as a possible successor to Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, whose job has been in jeopardy following a disappointing season.

However, the Louisville Courier-Journal and Birmingham News reported that Petrino withdrew his name from consideration for a position that is not yet open.

Auburn president William F. Walker admitted his meeting with Petrino -- which took place two days before the Tigers defeated archrival Alabama -- was a mistake. Walker said he wants Tuberville to stay at Auburn.

"By meeting with coach Petrino, I placed him in an untenable position," Walker said. "I apologize to him and the University of Louisville for my error."