With reports of LSU closing in on hiring Houston’s Tom Herman as its next coach dominating the Thursday night news cycle, the school has released a statement to the LSU News Twitter account stating that there are “unsubstantiated rumors” in the reports:

A report by Chip Brown of Texas site Horns Digest cited sources saying LSU was close to hiring Herman. ESPN reported that the Tigers moved onto Herman after FSU coach Jimbo Fisher opted to stay with the Seminoles.

Tigers AD Joe Alleva did not comment on the reports to media members, including the SEC Network’s Laura Rutledge, in College Station for the LSU-Texas A&M game.

The search process was reported to include an opportunity for interim coach Ed Orgeron to pitch his plan for the future to Alleva.

Alleva released a statement similar to that from the school: