Purdue might know within a matter of days whether Butch Jones will be its next football coach.

As we've told you since the beginning here, Purdue came into this hiring process targeting two head coaches above all other candidates to replace Danny Hope. Those head coaches are Cincinnati's Jones and Louisiana Tech's Sonny Dykes.

Through the course of the week things have centered on Jones, who is a motivated mover this hiring season, due to some frustrations at Cincinnati and the ever-crumbling standing of the Big EAST.

As we've told you, Purdue is prepared to offer a total compensation package in the vicinity of $4.5 million for its next staff, giving it the ability to pay Jones the going rate.

There are reports out there of a Purdue offer being made. We can't absolutely, positively confirm that. We can, however, connect dots.

Morgan Burke directly told people before the job came open that Butch Jones was Priority No. 1 in this search.

Sometimes offers don't even have to be vocalized. Technically, Missouri never offered Matt Painter its coaching job. It did, however, fly half its administration to Florida to woo him.

Whether Purdue has actually said, "We're offering you the job," is almost immaterial. It's clear Jones is their guy.

What will happen now?

We can tell you via sources directly linked to Bearcat players and coaches, the possibility of Jones going to Purdue is getting around to the point players are almost expecting it. Another source with ties to UC players says they're "in the dark," about whether they're going to lose their coach to the Boilermakers, but hoping Jones will stay.

That's very likely not going to happen.

As mentioned earlier, Jones is motivated to move. He's also motivated to get the biggest job he can.

Sources have said he'll likely at least gauge where he is in Tennessee's search before making a call on the Purdue job. There are no compelling reports out there suggesting Davis to be a front-runner with the Vols, but he is earning token mention among speculative pieces. He is not thought to be a serious factor for other openings that might be considered more attractive than Purdue.

Something will happen soon.

Cincinnati is playing Connecticut Saturday, with a long-shot chance at a Big EAST title still on the line.

This is very public now and Purdue is going to want an answer, and so the clock is ticking.

Nothing will happen officially prior to this weekend's game, but a call is going to have to come in the days that follow. If things go as hoped for Purdue, Jones could be hired early next week.

If he takes it.

Purdue has been in contact with many coaches, but it's clear right now that it would prefer this to be an open-and-shut case with Jones. Keep in mind that Purdue does have to have other coaches in the hopper in the event that Jones says no.

It's up to him now.



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