SMU appears to be zeroing in on Clemson's Chad Morris

SMU appears to be zeroing in on Chad Morris as its next head coach. Several reports Thursday night indicated the Clemson offensive coordinator, a former Texas high school coach with extensive ties in the state, is SMU's pick.

Despite the reports from Clemson's 247sports.com site, followed by Scout.com and FoxSports.com, SMU athletic director Rick Hart told USA TODAY Sports by text message there was "no deal with anyone yet," and said he was still working through the process to replace June Jones, who resigned in September after two games. But a person familiar with the situation said it was a "high likelihood" Morris would get the SMU job. The person requested anonymity because the agreement is not finalized.

At 0-10, SMU is the lone winless team in the FBS this season, with games remaining against Houston on Friday and Connecticut on Dec. 6. Though the Mustangs have struggled in recent years, the school's move to the American Athletic Conference and its location in talent-rich Dallas make the job more attractive.

Morris, who turns 46 next week, is known for running a fast-paced spread offense. With a salary of $1,309,650 a year, he is the nation's highest-paid assistant coach. He spent 16 years as a Texas high school coach before moving into the college ranks.