Joe Alleva's search for a new leader of the LSU men's basketball program has reportedly taken him to a one-time national championship coach.

CBSSports.com is reporting that Alleva has spoken to Minnesota's Tubby Smith, who won the 1998 NCAA title with Kentucky – the Wildcats' last national championship prior to claiming the 2012 title last week at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The report said the level of Smith's interest is unclear.

Smith, 60, has been a head coach at two SEC schools, Kentucky (1997-2007) and Georgia (1995-97). He also was head coach at Tulsa.

Minnesota was 23-15 this season, reaching the finals of the NIT.

Smith joins a list of candidates that includes North Texas' Johnny Jones, a former LSU player and assistant coach; Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon; former New Mexico State and Sacramento Kings coach Reggie Theus; Tommy Amaker, the head coach at Harvard.