NFL
By: Randall Slifer
The Arkansas Razorbacks failed to appear for their game against Notre Dame last weekend. Games like this hold a true sign of what kind of pulse a coach has in their locker room. Arkansas just lost two games in a row on a fumble during a game-winning drive. Sam Pittman could not rally his team to give enough effort to make a stop on a single drive in the first half.
This was the blinking red light that ultimately led to head coach Sam Pittman’s departure this year. It was not all doom and gloom when it came to Sam Pittman. His hiring came at a time when Arkansas was at a low point, and he seized the opportunity, bringing new life to the organization itself. There is no denying that Sam Pittman has made this job more appealing than it was when he was offered the job, so let’s take a look at who could fill the role:
Bobby Petrino
Bobby Petrino is the acting head coach following the firing of Sam Pittman. He is cleaning house by firing a handful of coaches, including defensive coordinator Travis Williams. Petrino has bounced around jobs since he was fired from Arkansas in his previous stint, from 2008 to 2011.
Bobby Petrino will always be able to run a good offense, but he has major issues with defense on each team he has coached. His recent claim to fame is coaching Lamar Jackson during his collegiate run, and now Taylen Green is stepping into his final year with a very good shot at the NFL.
The one positive element that could spark some interest in offering Petrino the job is the offer of lower pay. If Petrino takes a lower pay to stay as the head coach of Arkansas, there could be $5-8 million to play around with in other aspects.
Arkansas could pay a very good defensive coordinator to operate as a duo with Petrino, and still have money left over. Arkansas could then use some of those funds for NIL and attract bigger prospects to build a more loaded roster. This would involve some serious risk, but if they pair Petrino with a very good defensive coordinator, it could work out.
Rhett Lashlee
Rhett Lashlee grew up in Springdale, Arkansas, and was the quarterback when Gus Malzahn was just a high school coach. Rhett ended up playing for the Razorbacks, but did not play much due to a career-ending shoulder injury.
Lashlee was a coach for Malzahn and then had a stint in Miami. He ended up getting the SMU head coaching position, and he led them to the College Football Playoffs just last year. Arkansas needs someone with experience in tough games and competitive atmospheres to help win one-score games.
The issue with Lashlee coming to Arkansas is whether they are willing to pay Lashlee to leave SMU and join the Arkansas team. The most enticing thing for Lashlee will be moving to the SEC, as it is in the area where he has lived and supported his entire life. He is rumored to be earning over $ 4 million in salary, and he would not be surprised if SMU offers him more if Arkansas knocks on his door. Lashlee’s love for the community and his drive for Arkansas to win would give the locker room the feel of a winning culture that Arkansas desperately needs.
Jeff Traylor
Jeff Traylor, the head coach of UTSA, has garnered considerable buzz after the Oklahoma State head coach position became available, and this attention has intensified further with the opening of the Arkansas position as well. Jeff Traylor was an assistant at Arkansas before taking the job at UTSA and still maintains communication with Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek.
Jeff Traylor was an assistant coach for Chad Morris and served as the running backs coach for Arkansas. One of Arkansas’ building blocks is ensuring they have a really good run game. His running backs played well for him, with Rakeem Boyd managing to rush for over 1000 yards during his time. Jeff Traylor has a running back at UTSA right now in Robert Henry Jr, who is 2nd in rushing yards so far on the year and may be heading to the NFL next year.
The pay increase would be a significant upgrade from UTSA to Arkansas, allowing for greater competitiveness in the SEC. Traylor signed a 10-year extension amounting to $ 2.8 million per year, and Arkansas would easily be able to cover that and give him a raise. This could be another opportunity to pair Traylor with a good defensive coordinator to work in unison and help Arkansas finally achieve some sustained success that it has not seen in a long time.
Fran Brown
Fran Brown has stated that he would like to see Syracuse through and potentially retire with Syracuse. Everyone can take that with a grain of salt because head coaches say a lot of things to ensure players and boosters do not panic around them.
Fran Brown has extensive experience in the SEC, particularly coaching for Georgia. Fran Brown was the defensive backs coach at Georgia and was one of their top recruiters. He was part of some very good teams, including the 2022 national championship team.
The combination of his defensive talent and recruiting skills is something that Arkansas desperately needs to acquire sustained success. Fran Brown builds a culture where players will go to battle for him every day, and he is a selfless coach. Fran Brown gave his free scholarship to a different kid and paid for his son’s tuition because “he could afford it”.
Sam Pittman has given Arkansas new life, showing how great this area is and how much Arkansas cares about its football. Fran Brown can contribute to that culture because he has demonstrated a genuine care for the place he works, and can also bring the no-nonsense approach of setting high expectations year after year. Word on the street is that he does not shower after losing a game because he wants to remember the stench of defeat.
Ed Orgeron
This would be a major splash hire if Arkansas were to go that route. Arkansas managed to do that for its basketball team, hiring John Calipari after parting ways with Eric Musselman. Ed Orgeron just said that it is time to get back into head coaching, and what a perfect way to jump back into the SEC.
Ed Orgeron was fired only two seasons after winning a championship for LSU in 2019. He managed to go 5-5 and 6-6 in the next two years, which apparently warranted his firing. Ed Orgeron brings a passion and a high floor as a head coach, wherever he ends up. Recruiting comes with his name, and the expectations start high the second he steps on a football field.
If Ed Orgeron wants to return to coaching, it would be a statement to rebuild a bottom-SEC school back into relevance. Arkansas would have the funds to pay his salary, and I am sure boosters and donors will be excited at the idea of Ed Orgeron coaching the Razorbacks. The only issue is that there may be more coaching vacancies opening up, and if he is the hot commodity come next offseason, Arkansas may be pushed down his priority list. Arkansas can certainly dream, though!
Who is your favorite candidate for the Arkansas Football head coaching position? Please let me know here or reach out to me on Twitter/BlueSky (@RandallSlifer) and share your thoughts. As Always, Woo Pig!
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