Gus Malzahn: Will Muschamp 'one of the best' defensive coordinators

AUBURN -- Gus Malzahn's pursuit of a new defensive coordinator is in its eleventh day and Will Muschamp remains the clear top target.

The Auburn head coach was asked whether he's interested in having Muschamp fill the vacancy on his staff during an appearance on ESPN this week.

"We're going to go out and try and hire the best defensive coordinator around," Malzahn said. "Obviously he's one of the best, there's no doubt about that, but we'll see what happens. We're working hard to try to get the right guy."

Malzahn fired Ellis Johnson the day after Auburn's 55-44 loss to Alabama in the Iron Bowl and has reported been in contact with Muschamp in the time since. Sunday evening, Malzahn said he was hoping to make a hire in the "near future" but would not specify a timetable for making a decision.

As was the case on Sunday, Malzahn would not say if he's spoken directly to Muschamp, who returned from vacation earlier this week.

"I do know him personal(ly)." Malzahn said on ESPN. "But I'm not going to get into who we've talked to and who we've not. Like I said, I'm just focused on getting the best guy possible to lead our defense with the Auburn Tigers."