Tulsa football coach Steve Kragthorpe does not want to replace Gary Barnett as coach at Colorado.

Kragthorpe’s name has been brought up as a possible candidate to become the next coach of the Buffaloes, but he released a statement Saturday shooting down the speculation.

“I’m flattered that my name has been mentioned in conjunction with the head coaching position at the University of Colorado,” he said. “However, I am not interested in the position at Colorado.

Barnett was forced out last week after seven years at Colorado.

Kragthorpe, in his third season at Tulsa, led the Golden Hurricane to the Conference USA title this year. The Hurricane (8-4) will play against Fresno State in the Liberty Bowl on Dec. 31.

The C-USA crown was Tulsa’s first league championship in 20 seasons.

Colorado is still dealing with some of the off-field problems that occurred during Barnett’s stay.

A state audit of the Colorado athletic department is due Monday. Several media reports in Denver on Sunday said the audit will be critical of the athletic department.

Barnett left with a $3 million settlement of his contract. He had largely weathered a scandal in which at least nine women contended they were sexually assaulted by athletes – no criminal charges were filed – but his team lost three straight games to end the season.

AP-ES-12-11-05 1601EST