Alabama Crimson Tide

Ex-Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville considering running for governor of Alabama

Published Feb. 21, 2017 1:43 p.m. ET

Lindsey Foltin

Tommy Tuberville could be turning in his coaching headset for a career in politics.

The former Auburn head coach is considering running for governor of Alabama in 2018, according to Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports.

Dodd reports that Tuberville is in the process of gauging interest for his entry into next year's gubernatorial race by conducting a "statewide phone poll involving about 50,000 people," and is expected to make a decision on the matter in the next week or two.

Tuberville, a Republican and 62-year-old native of Arkansas, has no prior experience in state politics, though Dodd notes that could actually help his potential candidacy.

"Everybody wants non-politicians now," a source told Dodd. "Eighty-percent of it is name recognition."

Tuberville went 85-40 overall as Auburn's head coach from 1999-2008, including six straight victories over rival Alabama from 2002-07. He led the Tigers to five SEC West titles and one SEC Championship in 2004. Tuberville stepped down as head coach of Cincinnati in December following a dismal 4-8 season for the Bearcats.