Posted by: Chris Vannini on December 4, 2012

Darrell Hazell is going to be upfront.

His name has been thrown around for a few head coaching jobs in recent weeks, but when asked on SiriusXM College Sports Nation how he handles the rumors, the Kent State head man didn't dance around the question.

"There's a lot of things going on in the program right now," Hazell said. "We're trying to prepare for the bowl and trying to meet with our players, and some of those calls might be coming in. You try to handle them as they come in, but you try to stay focused and not worry about too much of those things until they become something serious."

Hazell was also asked what he tells his players if they ask if he'll be back for 2013.

"I tell them the truth," Hazell said. "I tell them that I love this place and I'm going to do everything I can for you guys. If something serious happens, you guys will be the first to know. That's the way I'll handle it."

Hazell did admit many of the rumors were blown out of proportion, but he isn't going to deny them, either.

"There really isn't (anything to say), especially if you don't have any information to give them," Hazell said. "You might not be getting calls, but the rumors are everywhere. I've heard my name in every single job. Those things aren't true. All those things aren't true, but people put that stuff out there, and you have to deal with it. It's unfortunate, but it's part of the business."

You can listen to the interview by clicking here. Below is Hazell's postgame press conference after the MAC Championship Game.

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Chris Vannini is the lead writer for CoachingSearch.com and has covered Michigan State sports for The State News, The Oakland Press and MLive.com. He writes a weekly column for the Detroit Free Press on behalf of SB Nation. Vannini lives in Big Ten country, so his foot speed is far from SEC caliber, but his pulse on coaches is hard to match. Be sure to follow @CoachingBuzz on twitter and send your feedback to chris@coachingsearch.com