Auburn’s search for a new baseball coach has been quiet from the start. Since former coach Tom Slater’s May 17 resignation, the university’s hunt for his replacement has been conducted in near-complete secrecy.

Silence is still a big part of the search — no Auburn officials are willing to tip their hands yet, at least publicly.

But the pace could pick up considerably.

Several candidates are expected to interview in the coming days, joining a growing group of coaches who have spoken to Auburn.

College of Charleston’s John Pawlowski reportedly interviewed Tuesday. Pawlowski, who also interviewed for the Auburn job in 2004, when Slater was hired, is 338-192-1 in nine seasons at Charleston.

“Auburn is a unique place and it’s in one of the most prestigious baseball leagues in the country,” Pawlowski told the Post and Courier newspaper of Charleston, S.C. “But it would have to be something very special for me to leave the College of Charleston.”

Auburn has also spoken to Coastal Carolina coach Gary Gilmore — who led the Chanticleers to a Super Regional this season — and Samford coach Casey Dunn, a former Auburn player.

Several other candidates are also on Auburn’s radar. Some may already have interviewed; others could be interviewed as soon as this week.

That list includes former Florida and Mississippi State head coach Pat McMahon and New Orleans head coach Tom Walter, among others.

TCU’s Jim Schlossnagle, who has led the Horned Frogs to five consecutive NCAA Tournaments, is also believed to be on Auburn’s radar.

Two other candidates — Baylor’s Steve Smith and Louisville’s Dan McDonnell — took themselves out of the running earlier this month. Both elected to stay in their current jobs.

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