Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said Thursday he's interested in the Texas Tech opening.

"I would be very interested," Tuberville said. "I have family there. I have a lot of ties there. I've recruited Dallas and Houston and I think it would be a pretty good fit. Mike [Leach] did a good job and I think I could make the situation even better."

Tuberville and Baylor coach Art Briles are two logical candidates, according to sources familiar with the pending search to replace Mike Leach. Leach was fired Wednesday after 10 seasons with the Red Raiders.

Interim coach Ruffin McNeil, the team's defensive coordinator, will lead Texas Tech in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2 against Michigan State Spartans.

Tuberville and Auburn parted ways in 2008 after his team went 5-7 in his 10th season at the school.

In 2004, Tuberville received national coach of the year awards after leading the Tigers to a 13-0 record.

Tuberville averaged 8.5 wins in his 10 seasons, taking Auburn to eight consecutive bowls. He also coached at Ole Miss.

Joe Schad covers college football for ESPN.