It’s a crazy time in the SEC, with three jobs — Tennessee, Florida and Ole Miss — currently open, and the possibility of more jobs — Arkansas and Texas A&M — coming open soon.

Current Auburn coach Gus Malzahn has lots of ties to Arkansas, and his name has been brought up in the likely event that Arkansas coach Bret Bielema gets fired.

However, those rumors couldn’t come at a worse time, as the Tigers are still alive in the race for a spot in the College Football Playoff. During an appearance on “The Opening Drive” on WJOX on Monday morning, ESPN host Paul Finebaum said he thinks Malzahn needs to address those rumors before Saturday’s Iron Bowl:

“A lot of this game is going to be off the field, too. Not to perpetuate the rumor mill, but Gus Malzahn is not going to be able to run away from the Arkansas story this week. He tried after the (ULM) game, but it’s still out there. It’s continuing to gather steam.

“I’m not saying that affects things, but I’ve seen it, you’ve seen it, sometimes these things have a life of their own. I don’t have any problem or concern with what he’s going to be able to do in terms of preparation, but I do think that’s the X factor in this game.”

What Malzahn is thinking about his future is unknown at this time, but he needs to make sure his full focus is on beating Alabama.

Even though he’s a couple of wins away from the Playoff, he’s also potentially a loss to Alabama away from getting fired himself.