The University of Miami could be targeting a big name to be its next head football coach.
A report Thursday says Miami is interested in current Nebraska coach Bo Pelini. Nebraska, though, is denying that report.
The Miami Herald reported Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt plans to speak with Pelini, who the report says was granted permission by Nebraska to pursue the job.
But Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne told the Lincoln Journal Star on Thursday that he has not given Pelini permission to speak to Miami about the job, and Pelini says he didn't seek permission to interview for another job. Pelini wouldn't otherwise comment publicly on the report.
Pelini's Cornhuskers (10-3) are ranked No. 17 heading into the Dec. 30 Holiday Bowl game against Washington (6-6).
Miami fired Randy Shannon last month after a 7-5 season.
Pelini and Nebraska football officials didn't immediately return messages left Thursday. A secretary for Osborne said he had told her to tell callers: ''There's nothing to comment on.''
Miami's coaching search has already reached out to several big names. Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen, Connecticut coach Randy Edsall and Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville have all reportedly spoken to the school about the job. Mullen is also considered a top candidate for the Florida job, which opened up Wednesday after Urban Meyer's resignation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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