Auburn University, which is seeking a replacement for Tommy Tuberville, has asked for and was granted permission to speak with University at Buffalo coach Turner Gill, a source told The Buffalo News on Saturday.

Auburn spoke with UB athletics director Warde Manuel on Friday about Gill, who led the Bulls to the Mid-American Conference championship with an upset victory over No. 12 ranked Ball State at Ford Field. It is not clear when Gill will interview for the position, the source said. Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson and Florida State offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher and believed to be the leading candidates.

Gill was out recruiting on Saturday and was not available for comment and Manuel declined comment.

Gill interviewed for the position at Syracuse University last week, a source told the News, and is believed to be among a host of candidates who have interviewed for the job to replace Greg Robinson.

Tuberville stepped down Wednesday after 10 years as Auburn's coach, a reign that included a perfect season but ended with a 5-7 mark in 2008, the worst record of his tenure.|

Tuberville was 85-40 in his decade with Auburn, including a 13-0 season in 2004.