Avent's Staying

Avent said he talked with Auburn athletics director Jay Jacobs this week about the Tigers' job. Auburn finished 11-19 in the Southeastern Conference and 28-28 overall this season, and fourth-year head coach Tom Slater resigned last month.

"They showed interest but my heart's with N.C. State," Avent said. "It's a nice situation there but we feel so good about all the things happening with our program. There's so much excitement and so many positives. Now is not the time to walk away.

"Lee (Fowler) and I met, worked out a deal and shook hands on it."