If Auriemma is interested, the Gators would like to talk

The University of Florida is trying to hang on to the one of the best coaches in men's basketball after trying to hire one of the best two coaches in women's basketball history -- Geno Auriemma of Connecticut.

Geno Auriemma has an amazing resume after 22 seasons at UConn. (AP)

Multiple sources have told CBS SportsLine.com that Florida's search for a women's coach led the Gators to Auriemma, who has won five national championships at UConn and is considered to have only one peer: Tennessee's Pat Summitt.

The level of Auriemma's interest in Florida, if any, isn't known. UConn's season ended this week in the Elite Eight. SportsLine.com has a message into Auriemma.

SportsLine.com's sources, who wish to remain anonymous, include an employee at Florida and also a Top 25 women's coach who tried to get involved with the Florida opening, but was told early in the process that the Gators were locked onto Auriemma.

Florida has been looking for a women's coach since Feb. 12, when the Gators fired Carolyn Peck.

Florida's interest in Auriemma should come as no surprise. Under athletics director Jeremy Foley, the Gators in recent years have targeted elite coaches, regardless of his or her circumstances, for various openings including football (hiring Utah's Urban Meyer in 2004) and baseball (hiring Mississippi State's Pat McMahon in 2001).

Florida also could soon be looking for a new men's coach, what with Kentucky expected to formally pursue Billy Donovan after the Final Four.