Vanderbilt has interviewed several more candidates in recent days and could be nearing the cut-down stage in its search for a football coach.
Vice Chancellor of Athletics David Williams said he will select three candidates — maybe four — from the first round of interviews to become finalists. There would then likely be a second round of interviews.
The cut could come as early as today or as late as next week.
"What I'd prefer to do is probably take more than three to the second round, but to get this thing done, three is probably the optimal number," said Williams, who has declined to comment on candidates during the search process.
"I can't imagine it would be more than four. But I've been very pleased with the number of good people we've seen."
Sources confirmed Monday the pool of candidates Vanderbilt has spoken with about the job, either in person or by phone, has grown to include: Tulsa Coach Todd Graham, Nebraska offensive coordinator Shawn Watson, Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin, Michigan State offensive coordinator Don Treadwell and Wisconsin defensive coordinator Dave Doeren.
Stanford assistant head coach/offense coordinator Greg Roman interviewed in person Friday. Vanderbilt also has met with Graham and Treadwell.Phone calls with Watson and Franklin are likely to produce in-person interviews in the near future, a source familiar with the search said. Treadwell and Doeren have been reported as finalists for the Indiana coaching vacancy as well, clouding their standing in the process.
Vanderbilt has contacted Air Force Coach Troy Calhoun seeking an interview, but that will be up to Calhoun.
There has also been contact with the agents of Temple Coach Al Golden and Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn during the process, two of the high-profile candidates on Vanderbilt's wish list. No further progression has been made.
Asked if he was targeting offensive-minded coaches given the Commodores' struggles on that side of the ball, Williams said: "I think the question (we've) asked is: 'Who's going to run the offense and who's going to run the defense?'
"If it's an offensive person, we're a little more interested in what's going to be happening with the defense. If it's a defensive person, we're a little more interested in what's going to be happening with the offense. The fact more offensive persons have been identified as targets is just how it's gone."
Reach Jeff Lockridge at 615-259-8023 or jlockridge@tennessean.com.