Report: LSU’s Kevin Steele jumps into mix for Auburn’s open defensive coordinator position, deal unlikely

ESPN college football reporter Chris Low reported Wednesday morning Auburn found a replacement for defensive coordinator Will Muschamp in LSU’s Kevin Steele “barring a late snag.”

Before Auburn kicked off in the Birmingham Bowl, the Advocate’s Ross Dellenger reported on a snag.

“#LSU coach Les Miles meeting with school officials at team hotel. Tigers believe they've kept Kevin Steele,” Dellenger tweeted.

Dellenger also tweeted a picture of Steele on LSU’s team bus outside the hotel they stayed at for the Houston Bowl. Steele helped coach LSU to a 56-27 win over Texas Tech in Houston Tuesday night.

Steele signed a two-year deal with LSU last year that paid him $1 million annually to replace John Chavis.

The Advocate’s Ross Dellenger reported that if Steele did leave Auburn the school and defensive coordinator would split his buyout of $500,000.

Steele has connections to Auburn’s athletic department with his brother Jeff Steele one of the university's associate athletic directors.

Jeff Steele has been in the Plains since 2005 and in his current position as associate athletic director for facilities and operations since 2006.

FootballScoop.com was the first outlet to report LSU was working Wednesday morning to retain Steele and that no deal with Auburn was final.

Michael Niziolek covers Auburn football for the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer. Email him at mniziolek@ledger-enquirer.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+