Earlier today, the always reliable Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports reported that Purdue University, which has developed a reputation of fiscal responsibility under president Mitch Daniels, was willing to open up its war chest of Rutger cable box money to search for its next football coach.

Hearing from sources that #Purdue is prepared to really step up its financial commitment with its head coaching search. — Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) October 31, 2016

As a result, some people are thinking that the Boilers are moving the usual goalposts for their next football hire. And tonight, Twitter was all abuzz that Pat Narduzzi, who is a former Michigan State defensive coordinator in his second year at Pitt, might be interested in the gig. The hashtag #Purduzzi stormed the web and these rumors spread quickly.

How reliable are these #Purduzzi talks? I’ll let you decide for yourself.

Things started innocuously enough last night.

folks, a programming note: this account is now a “purdue coach pat narduzzi” account. thanks. — Bill (@bflip33) October 31, 2016

Quickly a hashtag was born.

And the Feldman tweet put the wheels in motion.

Pat Narduzzi would be a great candidate for the job. Could do well in the B1G West #Purduzzi https://t.co/HLhUWYCUcC — Luke (@lfelack) October 31, 2016

Friend of the site Bill DiFillipo from Penn State blog Roar Lions Roar alerted us to the rumor.

Purdue arranged for its finest vehicle to come pick up Narduzzi from Pitt.

Sources indicate the Boilermaker Special en route to Pittsburgh. #PURDUZZI pic.twitter.com/IVerfkHfV7 — #Purduzzi Insider (@PSUMatt2005) October 31, 2016

As is customary in these situations, fans were checking Flightaware for any signs of Narduzzi’s arrival in West Lafayette.

Can confirm Purdue AD and two trustees met with rep of Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi at Chicago Midway today. #Purduzzi pic.twitter.com/uLqXNfwmlk — Tim Rando (@PancakeCatapult) November 1, 2016

#Purduzzi headed to airport, will be in Indy shortly b4 midnight for a meeting at the newly opened Primanti Bros. https://t.co/KXmwcJbgGH pic.twitter.com/8ALEINWaJy — Boilermaker Insider (@KickSewly) November 1, 2016

As the rumors grew, several anonymous sources and insiders kept validating them, while others weren’t so sure.

Sources close to Pat Narduzzi tell me that Purdue rumors are "very real." Both sides will of course deny any talks. #Purduzzi — lake iowa boat owner (@NamelessRanger) November 1, 2016

Several high-level sources now saying it's a done deal. #Purduzzi is happening, folks. — Boilermaker Insider (@KickSewly) November 1, 2016

Pump the brakes on #Purduzzi ... sources at Purdue say the leaks are from the Narduzzi camp. Boilermakers want to explore many options. — dan bro dude (@sharpalright) November 1, 2016

The reaction around West Lafayette and the Purdue community was swift.

Purdue Pete approved of the news.

tfw ur next coach is pat narduzzi #PURDUZZI pic.twitter.com/dpkFLwBpEQ — Bill (@bflip33) October 31, 2016

tfw you hear the big #PURDUZZI news pic.twitter.com/Ba72bUdjWt — LIL PURDUZZI VERT (@kylerrobbins) November 1, 2016

Students and fans rushed the campus in support.

thousands of people are at the #PURDUZZI rally outside daniels' home. wow. pic.twitter.com/eIe2hi8pea — LIL PURDUZZI VERT (@kylerrobbins) November 1, 2016

Even Purdue’s most famous alum (posthumously) weighed in.

.@ChrisDokish not delusional at all, Chris. Just heard back from my best #Purdue source pic.twitter.com/bcoWVKRN75 — Sam Cooper (@SamDCooper) November 1, 2016

Some Pitt folks, however, were unwilling to believe the growing speculation.

PSU fans are so afraid of Narduzzi that they're trying to start a rumor that he's going to Purdue. Nobody is dumb enough to believe that. — Chris Dokish (@ChrisDokish) October 31, 2016

gotta give it up to penn state fans—who definitely are NOT our rival—astroturfing the idiotic narduzzi to purdue rumor with fake accounts — pitt pass defense (@CzarOfPgh) November 1, 2016

If Narduzzi did go to Purdue, would he be a successful recruiter? Some insiders aren’t so sure.

Pat Narduzzi in three star recruit's living room: Come play at Purdue

Recruit: lmao no — Naperville Cubs Fan (@trillballins) November 1, 2016

As for Narduzzi himself, he seems to be playing things close to the vest.

Didn't even address the growing #Purduzzi rumor. Awful lot of smoke around this one, and with good reason, my sources tell me. https://t.co/0y79vNAuQi — len damico (@lendamico) November 1, 2016

But could he be giving hints about his next move?

#sources from back home in Pittsburgh spotted Pat Narduzzi trick or treating as Purdue Pete #purduzzi — Kelsey Fay (@kelsfay) November 1, 2016

Pat Narduzzi seen in Oakland walking around dressed as Purdue Pete for Halloween #PURDUZZI — Craig Zelanskay (@craigzelanskay) November 1, 2016

As always, keep it locked here for the growing speculation that Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi could be heading to Purdue. If Narduzzi really were to leave, it would be a bitter pill to swallow for the Panthers, who previously lost Todd Graham to Arizona State after just one season, and Paul Chryst to Wisconsin after only three years.

But if all else fails for Pitt, I hear this guy is available: