N.C. State coach Dave Doeren has been mentioned for open jobs across the SEC this hiring season, from Ole Miss to Tennessee, and it’s played a part in negotiations related to his contract extension.

USA TODAY Sports’ Dan Wolken reported that a standoff has been “protracted” and “somewhat contentious” in part because of his involvement with these coaching searches. Doeren was close to becoming the next coach at Ole Miss last weekend and canceled planned recruiting trips for his assistants on Sunday in anticipation of that announcement.

By winning eight games, Doeren’s current contract automatically was extended through the 2020 season. But any renegotiation would include extending the length of that deal by more than three three years.

One offer from Athletics Director Debbie Yow would increase his pay, and give his assistants multi-yer contracts. But the coach’s representatives have tried to get him in the mix for jobs at Mississippi State and Tennessee.

The Ole Miss chance ended after then-interim coach Matt Luke won the Egg Bowl on Friday.

Doeren, 45, is 33-30 in five seasons at NC State, and went 8-4 this season. NC State was 6-1 at one point and reached No. 14 in the polls before late losses to Notre Dame, Clemson and Wake Forest.