Arkansas’ head coaching search continues, and the coaching carousel has taken away some prominent candidates since Sam Pittman was fired. Still, there are plenty of promising coaches who can take over.
1) Alex Golesh: USF
While USF’s College Football Playoff hopes are gone, Golesh remains one of the top names for teams with vacancies. The Bulls currently sit 7-3, and his unique offense makes him an attractive candidate for the Razorbacks.
Golesh’s spread-out system puts stress on a defense, and it’s a big reason why the Bulls are No. 33 in PFSN’s CFB Offense Impact metrics. He’s 21-15 with the Bulls, and his 2025 campaign thrust him into multiple conversations for job openings.
2) Ryan Silverfield: Memphis
Questions about Ryan Silverfield evaporated after the last three seasons, thanks largely to his 29-8 record in those seasons as well as an 8-3 record this year. It took him a little while to get some traction, but it’s clear his process works and will work if Arkansas takes him.
Silverfield and his staff did a great job of building their roster this season via the transfer portal, one that was going to be tough given the massive hits from graduation. What was supposed to be a rebuilding year turned quickly into a reloading one. If Arkansas wants to build the program back into a winner, Silverfield would be a great fit.
3) Bobby Petrino: Arkansas
Since Arkansas sent Pittman packing, Bobby Petrino’s been auditioning for the job. His 0-5 record as the interim head coach won’t look great, but he might have shown the administration enough to stick around and be the head coach again.
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Petrino’s past might keep him out of contention, but there’s a group that wants him as their new leader. If he can show enough in the Razorbacks’ final two games against Texas and Missouri, then maybe he has a chance.
4) Kane Wommack: Alabama
Wommack’s name might only come up because his father was the Arkansas defensive coordinator from 2002 to 2004, but his defense is showing that he knows ball. His defense ranks No. 13 in PFSN’s CFB Defense Impact metrics, and they’re a huge reason the Tide are in playoff contention.
He also brings head coaching experience to the table. While he left South Alabama to become Alabama’s defensive coordinator, he was successful with the Jaguars. He finished 22-16, with a 10-3 finish in 2022.
5) Eric Morris: North Texas
There’s one thing Eric Morris does well: developing explosive offenses. While his first two seasons at North Texas yielded just an 11-14 record, his Mean Green are 9-1 in 2025. They’re also ready to potentially host the American Conference Championship Game to get into the College Football Playoff.
Morris gets the most out of his talent, something that could make him attractive to Arkansas. The Razorbacks won’t compete with the likes of Alabama and Georgia on the recruiting trail, but Morris knows how to get his recruits to elevate their games just like the best coaches in the country.
