The University of Arkansas is searching for a new head coach after letting Sam Pittman go. The Razorbacks want to breathe new life into their football program, and fans are buzzing with theories and wish lists.
Five names have started to float to the top—each with their own quirks and strengths. Curious? Let’s take a closer look at these contenders and what they might bring to Arkansas football.
Rhett Lashlee: The Hometown Hero
Rhett Lashlee, now leading SMU, is a name that keeps popping up. He’s from Springdale, Arkansas, and folks around here know his story.
Lashlee’s been on the coaching radar since 2011. His offense at SMU? It’s gotten attention, especially after they made the 12-team College Football Playoff.
- Local Ties: Born and raised in Arkansas, Lashlee gets what Razorback football means to people here.
- Offensive Mind: He’s built a reputation for high-powered offenses—something Arkansas could use.
- Proven Success: Taking SMU to the playoff is no small feat.
Glenn Schumann: The Defensive Guru
Then there’s Glenn Schumann, who’s helped shape Georgia’s defense. He’s still pretty young for a top job, but he’s moved up fast—from Alabama student assistant to a key part of Georgia’s staff.
Schumann’s never been a head coach, but his defensive chops are tough to ignore. He’s been around some of the best minds at Alabama and Georgia.
- Defensive Expertise: Schumann’s fingerprints are all over Georgia’s recent defensive dominance.
- Pedigree: Learned from the best at two powerhouse programs.
- Potential: If you’re betting on upside, he’s an intriguing option.
Gus Malzahn: The Seasoned Veteran
Gus Malzahn’s name always seems to come up in Arkansas circles. He’s been around—most recently at Florida State as offensive coordinator—and he actually played for the Razorbacks back in ‘84.
His experience in the SEC and long coaching résumé make him a logical choice. Plus, he knows the state and the fan base inside out.
- Experience: Been there, done that—especially at Auburn.
- Arkansas Roots: His ties to the state go way back.
- Offensive Skills: If you like creative play-calling, he’s your guy.
Jon Gruden: The Wild Card
Jon Gruden is…well, he’s the wildcard. Most folks know him from the NFL and maybe his recent stint with Barstool Sports. College football? That’s a different animal.
Sure, he’s got a Super Bowl ring, but college coaching is a whole new world. His past controversies and long gap since coaching in college make him a risky pick.
- Proven NFL Success: Not many coaches have a Super Bowl win on their résumé.
- Personality: He’d certainly bring some headlines.
- Inexperience in College: It’s a big leap from the NFL to the SEC grind.
Bobby Petrino: The Familiar Face
Bobby Petrino’s name always stirs up strong feelings. He’s done this job before—some folks remember the highs, others can’t forget the lows.
Petrino knows the Razorbacks inside and out. But the college football world has changed a lot since he left. NIL, conference realignment—it’s a different landscape now.
- Familiarity: He’s got the playbook and the history with the program.
- Past Success: Arkansas fans haven’t forgotten the good years under Petrino.
- Challenges: Adapting to today’s college football might be a tall order.
The Path Forward for Arkansas
The search for a new head coach at the University of Arkansas feels like a big turning point. Every candidate on the list brings something different to the table—some good, some maybe a little risky.
Maybe Arkansas goes with a well-known name like Gus Malzahn. Or maybe they roll the dice on someone newer, like Rhett Lashlee or Glenn Schumann. Either way, whoever they pick is going to leave a mark on Razorback football for years.
If you want to dig deeper into these candidates or follow the twists and turns of the search, here’s the full article on KATV.
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