Mike Anderson leaving Mizzou to be Ark. coach?

(CBS/AP) The Mike Anderson rumor mill is taking yet another twist.

A person familiar with the situation says the Missouri coach is close to returning to Arkansas to become the school's next basketball coach.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because negotiations are still ongoing, said Wednesday that Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long is "working hard" in hopes of bringing Anderson back to the school where he was an assistant for 17 years under Nolan Richardson.

The person said "it's not a done deal yet, but it's getting close."

Anderson led Missouri to its third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance in his five years in Columbia.

Anderson's agent, Jimmy Sexton, told a radio station Tuesday that the coach is negotiating a new contract with Missouri. Anderson has a seven-year, $10.85 million deal.

Arkansas fired John Pelphrey after four seasons on March 13.

Anderson is 111-57 in five seasons at Missouri, including an appearance in the Elite Eight in 2009. The Tigers were 23-11 this season, losing to Cincinnati in the first round of the NCAA tournament. He was 89-41 in four season at Alabama-Birmingham before that.

Last year, he rejected a hefty raise and a job offer to coach Oregon, unsettling the Tigers faithful.