Jacksonville State athletic director Greg Seitz confirmed to the Anniston (Ala.) Star on Tuesday that former Western Kentucky coach Ray Harper is “certainly in the mix” for the school’s men’s basketball coaching vacancy.

Seitz said he’s spoken with Harper and other candidates about the job. The Anniston Star is reporting via sources that Harper has emerged as the leading candidate.

“Ray Harper is certainly somebody we’re interested in, and he’s certainly got a great resume,” Seitz told the Anniston Star. “He’s somebody I think would do a great job as a coach, along with a lot of other applicants that we’ve received.

“Ray is certainly in the mix.”

Harper, 54, resigned from his post with the Hilltoppers on March 17 after the basketball suspension of guards Fredrick Edmond, Chris McNeal and Marlon Hunter following the outcome of a University Disciplinary Committee hearing on the evening of March 16.

No information concerning the disciplinary charges or outcome has been released by the university to this point because of federal privacy law. Athletic director Todd Stewart announced Tuesday that the players are no longer enrolled at WKU.

WKU President Gary Ransdell confirmed to the Daily News that the outcome of the three suspended players’ disciplinary hearing was the “primary reason” behind Harper’s resignation, adding that there might have been additional considerations in Harper’s decision.

The players’ suspensions are not because of academic or NCAA-related issues, a source told the Daily News. A source also said the NCAA is not investigating anything involving WKU, the men’s basketball program, Harper or the suspended players.

Harper has not responded to messages from the Daily News seeking further comment beyond his released statement March 17.

Harper had just completed his fifth season at the helm of the Toppers, and fourth full year after taking over in an interim capacity in 2011-12.

He concluded his WKU career with an 89-64 record. WKU was eliminated from the Conference USA Tournament last week with an 89-77 loss to Old Dominion in the semifinals.

Harper led WKU to the NCAA Tournament in each of his first two seasons, including his interim stint, but failed to reach the NCAA tourney or NIT in each of his last three seasons. This was his first full season in which he’s failed to reach 20 wins.

Harper will remain in paid status with WKU through the end of his contract term in June. He will be paid roughly $125,000 over those three months, regardless of if he accepts another head coaching position or not.

Jacksonville State – located in Jacksonville, Ala. – is in the market for a new leader after the program and coach James Green mutually agreed he would not return for the 2016-17 season after eight seasons at the helm.

The Gamecocks went 8-23 this season, including 4-12 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

— Zach Greenwell