Giannini flirts with Auburn's AD post

AUBURN, ALABAMA - Southern Mississippi athletics director Richard Giannini says he has discussed the possibility of heading Auburn&#39;s athletics department with the school&#39;s independent search firm, but has not been interviewed by any Auburn officials.<br> <br> Giannini told the Mobile Register for a story Wednesday that he has spoken with Carr Sports Associates about the position, which will be vacated by athletics director David Housel when he retires in January. But he said he is not seeking to leave Southern Miss.<br> <br> ``I&#39;ve got a great situation at Southern Miss,&#39;&#39; Giannini said Tuesday. ``I&#39;ve really enjoyed the five years I&#39;ve had here. We&#39;re in the midst of a $60 million capital campaign that is coming along very well. It would be difficult for me to leave.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Giannini came to Southern Miss in 1999 after five years of heading the athletics department of Northeast Louisiana, now called Louisiana-Monroe. Earlier, Giannini was president of two Charlotte-based private firms and had a nine-year stint as a senior associate AD at Florida, his alma mater.<br> <br> Giannini is one of several potential candidates for the job. Other reported candidates include FDIC chairman Donald Powell, former Auburn player and Birmingham financial planner Mike Kolen, LSU senior associate AD Dan Radakovich and Florida associate AD Greg McGarity. Internally, Auburn is also expected to consider senior associate AD Jay Jacobs.<br> <br> Retired Georgia athletics director Vince Dooley, last week ruled out a return to his alma mater.