Clemson offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Rob Spence is expected to interview for Tennessee’s offensive coordinator job, the News Sentinel has learned.

Spence is the first known candidate to interview for the position since David Cutcliffe was hired as Duke’s head coach last weekend.

Clemson conducts its final bowl practice in South Carolina this morning. WVLT is reporting through another source that Spence will fly to Knoxville for an interview after today’s practice.

Spence turned down an offer to become offensive coordinator at Minnesota last year to remain at Clemson.

He also talked with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders last offseason and Alabama about possibly joining Nick Saban’s staff.

Tennessee has also been in contact with Detroit Lions wide receivers coach Kippy Brown, a former UT assistant and offensive coordinator with the Miami Dolphins.

This season, Spence led an offense that ranked second in the ACC in rushing offense (158.8 yards per game, 50th nationally), passing offense (253.6 yards per game, 41st nationally) and total offense (412.4 yards per game, 47th nationally).

The Tigers’ 34.2 points per game ranked first in the ACC and 23rd nationally.

Spence, in his role as the Tigers’ quarterbacks coach, was instrumental in developing first-year starter Cullen Harper, who led the ACC with a 146.9 passer rating this season.

Wide receiver Aaron Kelly also led the ACC with 87 yards receiving per game.

Clemson finished 9-3 and will face Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Dec. 31.

Spence, 49, is in his third year at Clemson and has extensive experience as a coordinator.

He began his college coaching career in 1989 as offensive coordinator at Iona, where he played tight end from 1978-81.

He has also been offensive coordinator at Hofstra (1990, 1997-99), Louisiana Tech (co-offensive coordinator 2000), and Toledo (2001-04).

He also coached tight ends, inside receivers and quarterbacks at Maryland (1992-93).

Cutcliffe will remain with the Vols through the Jan. 1 Outback Bowl against Wisconsin.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.

© 2007, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.