It’s being reported by three different reporters, so it’s time to get serious.

Tubby Smith has emerged as the No. 1 candidate at Memphis. Smith in town. School hoping to have the deal done today, two sources told BR.

— Jason King (@JasonKingBR) April 13, 2016

Memphis targets Tubby Smith as next coach https://t.co/ydfdF7hAZS via @usatoday

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) April 13, 2016

Texas Tech’s Tubby Smith is now at the top of a short list of attainable candidates Memphis is considering, a source told @CBSSports.

— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) April 13, 2016

Parrish is located in Memphis and the other two reporters are reputable as well.

I don’t know what to say here other than I hope that Kirby Hocutt can sway Smith to stay, perhaps signing him to a long-term extension, but that FedEx money may be something that Hocutt can’t match.  I don’t even want to think about possible replacements, but I’d look long and hard at assistant coach Pooh Williamson as a possible replacement.