Auburn has been in discussion with Liberty's Hugh Freeze for weeks about him becoming the school's next football coach, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Sources said the Tigers are not expected to make a formal offer until after Saturday's Iron Bowl game against Alabama, but the sides have informally discussed a contract for more than a week.
Auburn's pursuit of Freeze has come into focus as Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin said earlier this week that he intended to stay with the Rebels even if the Tigers offered him their head-coaching position.