Auburn coaching rumors: Bo Pelini looking to get in the mix?

Yet another name has come up in Auburn's coaching search, as AuburnUndercover says Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini may be in the mix ($).

Auburn considering Bo Pelini for head coaching jobauburn.247sports.com/Article/Auburn…

— Auburn Undercover (@Auburn247) December 1, 2012

If Pelini is a legitimate candidate, he would certainly be one of the best names the Tigers could consider. Pelini is hard-nosed, a great defensive coach and has experience in the SEC. As a head coach at Nebraska since 2008, he's 49-18 overall and 29-11 in conference play.

Pelini held the defensive coordinator position at LSU from 2005 to '07. In his time at Baton Rouge, the Tigers' defense ranked second, first and second in the SEC, allowing 14.2, 12.6 and 19.9 points per game. The Cornhuskers allowed more than 28 points per game in Pelini's first season in Lincoln, Neb., but by Year 2 in 2009, Nebraska led the Big 12, giving up 10.4 points per game. This year, the 'Huskers are allowing 22.6 points per game, but they are 10-2 and will play in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday.

We took a deeper look at Pelini earlier this month because he has the potential to be a great fit at Auburn. As a no-nonsense, defensive-minded coach, the Tigers could certainly do worse.

While Bobby Petrino and Jimbo Fisher have appeared to be the co-front runners for some time, it appears as if this search is beginning to get a little more exciting. After this weekend's slate of games, it should really heat up.