University of Minnesota men’s basketball coach Tubby Smith addressed a rumor Monday, which linked him to a prospective job at the University of Oregon.

Smith said in a Big Ten conference call that such rumors are ever present in college athletics and that he is happy at the University.

The rumors spawned from reports by Foxsports.com columnist Jeff Goodman and CBSSports.com columnist Gary Parrish who each mentioned Smith as a possible candidate to replace Oregon coach Ernie Kent, who is expected to be fired at seasons end.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few and Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon were also mentioned as potential candidates.

Smith has four years remaining on his contract with the University.