Chavis is playing word games in regards to the Texas job

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ARLINGTON, Texas — LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis said Monday he intends to stay put.

But Chavis avoided the chance to completely rule out whether he has had any contact with Texas head coach Mack Brown or would listen if the Longhorns coach called in his hunt for a new defensive coordinator.

Last week, Chavis’ name surfaced as a possible candidate for UT’s opening. He addressed those reports Monday in a scheduled media event at the Cotton Bowl.

“I’m flattered if I’m mentioned in any way with Texas,” Chavis said. “Texas is a great program, and Mack Brown is an outstanding, outstanding football coach who I have tremendous respect for and have known for a long time. If I’m mentioned among those people, then that’s an honor.

“But I’m happy at LSU. I plan on being at LSU next year, and hopefully years to come.”

When asked whether there has been contact, Chavis repeatedly smiled slyly and said, “I’m happy at LSU, and I plan on returning.”

Texas is in the market for a defensive coordinator since Will Muschamp left to become Florida’s head coach.

UT has one of the richest athletic programs in the country, and reports have swirled that Brown has authority to pay as much as $1 million for new coordinators. He is also searching for an offensive coordinator.

Whether a sizable pay bump would be enough for Chavis to leave LSU isn’t clear.

A year ago, Georgia coach Mark Richt offered Chavis his defensive coordinator position, and Chavis turned it down. Shortly after that, LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva reworked Chavis’ contract and upped his salary to $700,000 per year. Chavis was paid $450,000 in his first season at LSU.

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