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Report: Texas Tech contacts Tubby Smith

Tubby Smith might not be out of work for long.

The 61-year-old basketball coach, fired by the University of Minnesota on Monday, met with Texas Tech University officials in Lubbock on Thursday about the school's open coaching job, ESPN.com reported.

Smith was ousted in Minnesota after the Golden Gophers lost to Florida last weekend, failing to reach the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 after a 21-13 season.

In six seasons at Minneapolis, Smith posted a 124-81 record, earning just one NCAA Tournament win (over UCLA last Friday).

He previously coached Tulsa (1991-95), Georgia (1995-97) and Kentucky (1997-2007), capturing a national title in his first year with the Wildcats. Smith's overall record is 511-226.

Texas Tech coach Billy Gillispie resigned before the current season amid an investigation by the school over allegations of player mistreatment and possible violations of NCAA rules regarding practice time.

Under interim coach Chris Walker, the Red Raiders finished 11-20.

According to multiple media reports, Texas Tech has already spoken with Indiana assistant coach Steve McClain, ex-Nebraska coach Doc Sadler, Oral Roberts coach Scott Sutton and Southern Illinois coach Barry Hinson. New Mexico State coach Marvin Menzies spoke with Texas Tech officials but later withdrew his name from consideration.

As for Minnesota, multiple reports indicated Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg was a leading candidate to replace Smith, but Hoiberg agreed to stay with the Cyclones on Thursday. Hoiberg received a 10-year, $20 million extension that runs through 2013.

Hoiberg spent 10 years in the NBA, including a stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves, before a heart condition forced him to retire. ESPN 1500 in Minneapolis had classified the Golden Gophers' interest in Hoiberg as "serious."