AUBURN, Alabama -- The Auburn coaching search will continue today with Alabama defensive coordinator

as the apparent leader to become the school's new football coach, according to someone familiar with the process.

Smart

Monday. Interviews with other candidates are expected to continue today and Smart's standing could change. Auburn may name its new coach by Wednesday.

, an early name on the search committee's list, will apparently stay at Florida State, said the source. Auburn has also interviewed Arkansas State coach

, has or will talk to Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris and

Louisville coach

, among others.

Smart is considered one of the top defensive coordinators in the nation. Alabama's defense has been ranked first nationally the last two years.

Other coaches Auburn has and is considering are TCU coach Gary Patterson, Boise State coach Chris Petersen and former Arkansas coach

.

Auburn began searching for a new coach after firing

on Nov. 25.

Follow Auburn on the Twitter: