Gus Malzahn has moved his first chip in the search for a defensive coordinator, according to AuburnSports.com.

Auburn has offered former Florida head coach Will Muschamp the job and Muschamp is said to be considering it, AuburnSports.com reports, citing sources.

Muschamp is staying committed to his plan to take time to consider his next move, because he has multiple offers on the table.

The respected defensive coach also has received a lucrative offer from Texas A&M, which dismissed Mark Snyder on Sunday. According to AuburnSports.com’s Jay G. Tate, Auburn has told Muschamp it will compete with any offer made by a collegiate program, however, at least two NFL organizations have contacted the ousted Florida coach.

Muschamp has not given any potential employers word of his long-term plan, though Malzahn reportedly is willing to give Muschamp time to make a decision.

According to Tate, while Malzahn doesn’t want to pressure Muschamp, the second-year Auburn coach will make a hire no later than next week. With former defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson out, Tigers defensive assistants are in an uncomfortable situation knowing their jobs may be in jeopardy.

Though Muschamp is regarded as the hot candidate, he will be expensive. Florida owes him more than $6 million during the remainder of his contract. AuburnSports.com reports Auburn is willing to spend at least $1.2 million on its next defensive coordinator, though it is unknown how high the Tigers would be willing to go.

Johnson is owed more than $2 million through 2017, while former head men’s basketball coach Tony Barbee is owed $2.4 million during the next three years. Current basketball coach Bruce Pearl will receive $15 million over the next six years.

Should Muschamp decline the offer, UAB head coach Bill Clark is reportedly garnering interest from Malzahn, this on the heels of the decision to shut down the UAB program.

Memphis defensive coordinator Barry Odom, who met with Auburn earlier this week, is also still in the running.