AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville laughed off rumors that he was interested in the vacant Florida job and said he was saddened to hear about the firing of his successor at Ole Miss.

David Cutcliffe was let go Wednesday after six seasons in Oxford. He replaced Tuberville at the end of the 1998 season.

Tuberville was nearly fired after last season, so he understands Cutcliffe's situation.

"The expectations are there in this business," Tuberville said. "You hate to see it happen to anybody. It can happen to you. It almost happened to me last year."

Florida is searching for a new coach to replace the fired Ron Zook. Tuberville's name is on a long list of rumored contenders, and he shrugged off speculation that he would be interested in the job.

"I hope they let me come back here," Tuberville said. "I want to be here. My family loves it here."

Tuberville said he hasn't spoken to anyone from Florida and wouldn't have time to talk even if someone called.

Tuberville's contract with Auburn contains a $3 million buyout clause that makes it costly for either side to break the deal.

Chizik Finalist: Auburn defensive coordinator Gene Chizik has been named one of six finalists for the Frank Broyles Award given to the nation's top assistant football coach.

The other finalists are Oklahoma of fensive coordinator Chuck Long, California defensive coordinator Bob Gregory, Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker, Boise State offensive coordinator Chris Peterson and Connecticut offensive coordinator Norries Wilson.

First Things: Saturday's game against Tennessee for the SEC championship will be the first time in his career that Chizik has played a team twice in one season.

"I'm assuming we'll tweak some things here and there," Chizik said. "The biggest thing you can do that would not be favorable for your defense is if you try to go in and change a bunch of things and try to re-invent the wheel."

The Hungry Side Of Sears: Auburn linebacker Kevin Sears spent Thanksgiving back home in Russellville, Ala., but he didn't get to chat with his younger brother, Tennessee offensive tackle Arron Sears.

"He didn't get a chance to come in. They had to get ready for the (Kentucky) game," Sears said. "I didn't talk to him. I was too busy stuffing my face."