Texas A&M is interested in Tuberville

The Aggies want a name, possibly Tuberville.
I got a call from someone very close to the Texas A&M situation. Here's the deal: The Aggies want a big name and are willing to plop down $3-4 million per year to get their man.
The top two targets: Auburn's Tommy Tuberville and North Carolina's Butch Davis. The talk of Tubs to A&M has percolated for weeks. And, I'm telling you, people: It's legit. Yeah, it's time to panic, Auburn Nation. Yeah, if Tubs leaves the Plains, there will be a huge buyout ($6 million). But, a wad of cash never has stood between a major program and something it wanted.
Davis' name hadn't been connected to A&M until my source revealed that nugget to me. UNC confirms that Davis has no "outs" in his contract to coach anywhere without paying a buyout. That buyout is at $2 million right now. Peanuts.
A fall-back target, I'm told, is South Florida's Jim Leavitt, a rising star who figures to get lots of play on the market this offseason. No doubt, USF will have to pony up big-time cash to keep Leavitt. The Bulls are a rising power for one reason: Leavitt, who works too cheaply and whose staff is among the lowest paid in the BCS ranks. It's time for Leavitt to cash in.
Watching the Auburn dominoe fall.
If Tuberville leaves for Texas A&M, don't be shocked if Auburn makes a run at Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher. He hasn't been able to work miracles in Tallahassee, but he didn't inherit much to work with. Fisher is smart and savvy. Plus, he knows the Auburn job, having worked there from 1993-98 as quarterbacks coach.
There is a murmur about Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino being wooed, as the situation he inherited has changed markedly with the Michael Vick saga. Who can forget Auburn's clandestine courtship in 2003 with Petrino, who was then coach of Louisville? I'm sure Tuberville hasn't forgotten. Still, Petrino-to-Auburn may be a long shot.
The best in-house option looks like defensive coordinator Will Muschamp, a rising star.
Syracuse eyes Illini offensive guru
Talk is strong that Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley could emerge as the No. 1 target at Syracuse. He has earned plaudits for giving life to the Illini's offense and developing its young stars. And Locksley is flat-out one of the top recruiters in the nation. He turned down the Central Michigan job last year. It's just a matter of time before Locksley lands a BCS gig. And this looks like a nice fit.
Arizona scouts its options
With change apparently looming at Arizona, word is the Wildcats would love to pursue USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. But would Sark bolt? He may be in line to be the Trojans' next head coach if Pete Carroll goes to the NFL and USC can't land Jeff Fisher or Jack Del Rio.
Another guy who may get a look is UTEP's Mike Price. Word is, A.D. Jim Livingood wanted to hire Price before Mike Stoops was tabbed, but the Arizona president was against it.
Tom Dienhart is a staff writer for Sporting News.