Auburn ends search for football coach

AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn's short-lived and awkward coaching search ended Wednesday with President William Walker saying he will retain coach Tommy Tuberville and apologizing for his handling of the situation.

"If Coach Tuberville elects to do so, he will continue as Auburn's head football coach next year," Walker said in a statement. "I sincerely hope he chooses to remain at Auburn."

Walker said that he and athletic director David Housel will meet with the coach next week to discuss how to meet the program's goals "and to ensure coach Tuberville's success in the 2004 season and beyond."

Tuberville's job security came into question among fans and the media late in a disappointing 7-5 season -- which the Tigers began with a No. 6 ranking -- but neither Walker nor Housel told Tuberville that his job was in jeopardy.

The situation escalated into a public relations mess Tuesday night when Walker disclosed that he, Housel and two trustees had flown to Kentucky to talk to Louisville coach Bobby Petrino two days before the Iron Bowl.

Walker acknowledged that his actions put Tuberville "in an awkward and uncomfortable position."

Tuberville did not return calls seeking comment Wednesday.

As Petrino said he was staying at Louisville Wednesday, Gov. Bob Riley and others criticized Walker and Housel for taking such a trip when Tuberville's fate had not been decided.