Auburn, Ala. ? Tommy Tuberville stepped down Wednesday after 10 years as Auburn’s coach, a reign that included a perfect season and a string of overachieving teams but ended with the worst record of his tenure.

Tuberville was 85-40 in his decade with Auburn, including a 13-0 season in 2004 when the Tigers finished No. 2 in the nation and won the Southeastern Conference title for the first time in 15 years. But Auburn went 5-7 this year and was routed, 36-0, at the end by rival Alabama, currently ranked No. 1.

Tuberville informed the players in a team meeting at the football complex after three days of meetings with Auburn officials. The players were not allowed to speak to the media as they walked out or lingered in the parking lot afterward.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Tech, Leach negotiating

Lubbock, Texas — Texas Tech athletic director Gerald Myers says the school is negotiating a contract extension with Mike Leach, amid reports that the Red Raiders coach has met with the University of Washington about the Huskies’ top job.

Notre Dame keeps Weis

South Bend, Ind. — Charlie Weis will return for a fifth year as Notre Dame’s football coach despite posting his second straight disappointing season, the school announced Wednesday.

Chick-fil-A taps Ga. Tech

Atlanta — No. 15 Georgia Tech accepted an invitation to the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Wednesday, staying at home to face a Southeastern Conference team on New Year’s Eve.

Clemson to play in Gator

In four days, Clemson went from wondering if it would reach the postseason to playing in the Gator Bowl on New Year’s Day. An invitation to the Jacksonville, Fla., game was extended Wednesday to the Tigers (7-5), who likely will be matched up with Nebraska (8-4).

NFL

Judge blocks suspensions

Minneapolis — A Minnesota judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked the NFL’s suspension of Vikings Kevin Williams and Pat Williams for violating the league’s anti-doping policy, but the players’ status for Sunday’s game at Detroit remained uncertain.

Hennepin County District Judge Gary Larson issued the temporary restraining order.

BASEBALL

Pedroia, Red Sox agree

Boston — AL Most Valuable Player Dustin Pedroia and the Boston Red Sox agreed Wednesday to a $40.5 million, six-year contract. The deal includes a club option for 2015.

Omaha Royals may stay

Papillion, Neb. — It’s looking more like the top minor-league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals will remain in the Omaha area. The team expects to move forward with a plan to build a new baseball stadium in suburban Omaha.

Giants, Howry reach deal

San Francisco — The Giants took another step toward bolstering their bullpen Wednesday, agreeing to terms on a $2.75 million, one-year contract with free agent reliever Bob Howry.

NBA

Raptors fire coach

Toronto — The Toronto Raptors have fired coach Sam Mitchell one day after the team absorbed an embarrassing loss at Denver. Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo says assistant Jay Triano has been promoted to interim coach. Triano’s first game as coach is Friday night at Utah. Toronto is 8-9 after it lost, 132-93, at Denver on Tuesday.