Latest Auburn Coaching Rumors: Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich a candidate?

11/29/12 3:20pm ET

The latest Auburn football coaching rumors coming from our insiders close to the situation are that Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich is a candidate for the Tigers head coaching job.

The Tigers, as of right now, have Bobby Petrino as their top candidate and plan to make him an official offer on Friday. But, there has been some talk that Petrino is having reservations about coaching in the SEC again and may be looking to take a job in the Pac 12 or ACC.

If Petrino spurns Auburn, the likely next candidate to be heavily pursued is Oregon offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. Auburn boosters have become convinced that having an explosive, can't stop offense is the only way they can compete with Nick Saban and Alabama, and there is no one better out there right now to do so than Helfrich.

Although head coach Chip Kelly calls the plays at Oregon, Helfrich is seen as an integral part of the Ducks success. Being Kelly's right hand man for 4 seasons, the Ducks will be going to their 4th straight BCS game this season.

Stay tuned to Chat Sports, THE #1 source for Auburn football coaching rumors, in the coming hours for further details.

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