I do not doubt your sources, but according to the Alumni emails and local news reports, UT has not narrowed it down to candidates to invite to campus for meet-and-greet yet. I am not saying that the search team has not had contact with the other representatives of prospective candidates. At this stage, I have to assume they are simply gauging interest, talking salary ranges, and explaining duties. According the Faculty Senate, no one has talked to them yet. Also, until DePietro fills the other vacant positions, he will not offer a job IMO.
No to say UT does not have a favored candidate or wish list. But I think no one has been offered. No one is the leader in the club house. No one has a clue what UT has done or will do and anyone writing as if they have inside knowledge is just blowing smoke. IMO no one at UT but DePietro or the search committee has a clue. It would be a WAG as to a leader.
I'll vouch for one of his sources