My Reference Wants My Job!

Dear Experts, My reference wants my job! I just interviewed for a job and I really want it. I called my reference from my former employer to let him know they would be calling. When I explained the job, he said, "Geez. I want that job. I'm even more qualified for it than you are." Now, he said it in a joking manner, but I know he isn't joking because he's been actively looking for a job. I"m afraid if they call him he might get an interview and push me out of the running. Should I call the company and give them a different reference? Here is how our T.A.P. experts answered this question:Q#273 Cd add other ref; deleting him is red flag. If he's so unprof'l, gd 2 know 4 future. Believe in urself. (@juliaerickson) Q#273 I'm w/ @beneubanks Don't pick person who could steal job as reference. It's shameless, but can happen. (@jtodonnell) Q#273 If U knew he was looking, & he's in your field, then why wld U let him be a reference? Learn from this! (@beneubanks) Q#273 If you haven't already given references, don't include him/her. But if you have, don't switch. It will look suspicious. (@gradversity) Q#273 It will look strange if u change refs. in the middle. Unlikely he will surface as a candidate during that process. (@DebraWheatman) Our Twitter Advice Project (T.A.P.) is no longer an active campaign. To find an answer to the above question, please use the "Search" box in the right-hand column of this website.