Charlie Strong, the Louisville coach who would be in high demand if the Cardinals hadn’t just moved to the ACC, is alleged to have interviewed for the Auburn coach opening this week.

According to the Birmingham News (a reputable newspaper, not some fan site throwing shit against the wall):

Auburn has interviewed Louisville head coach Charlie Strong in one of its first moves to find a replacement for Gene Chizik.

The interview took place in the last two days, al.com has learned, according to someone familiar with the process.

First thought: Hey, Charlie Strong’s looking for a raise! Second thought: Come on, no way this is true, right?

Well, Pete Thamel of SI called up Charlie Strong to check in.

Glad that’s cleared up. Tough to imagine Strong interviewing for a bad coaching job* on a short week with a BCS trip hanging in the balance. The guess here has been Bobby Petrino (the latest from Bruce Feldman says Petrino, too). It’ll be him or … yikes.

* Auburn’s only a bad job right now because you’re recruiting against mighty Nick Saban in-state, and the NCAA is pissed the Tigers got away with Cam Newton. The NCAA is going to keep snooping until they find something – anything – that sticks.