Former Auburn Tigers head football coach and current Florida State Seminoles offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is on the Arkansas Razorbacks' radar, as he always is when that job is available, and has already reportedly interviewed for the job.
KNWA FOX 24's Otis Kirk reports the two sides have already met to discuss the role, and revealed the Hogs' head coaching options this offseason, which includes several names from the Group of 5 ranks.
"When Arkansas has an opening for head football coach two things are certain. Gus Malzahn and Jon Gruden will both be mentioned," Kirk wrote.
"Could this be the time Malzahn and the Hogs connect on the head coaching job? Malzahn has interviewed for the spot that became open when Sam Pittman was fired following a one-sided loss to Notre Dame. Bobby Petrino has served as the interim head coach, but it appears the job will go elsewhere.
"Among the other coaches rumored to be in mix at Arkansas are Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield, South Florida’s Alex Golesh, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, North Texas’ Eric Morris, UTSA’s Jeff Traylor and former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Both Golesh and Morris have ties to Arkansas. Golesh’s wife is from Greenwood and Morris’ from Rector."
Arkansas writer doesn't see Jon Sumrall pursuit as likely
From the sounds of it, Arkansas talking heads are accepting that Tulane Green Wave head football coach Jon Sumrall probably won't end up in Fayetteville. Arkansas OnSI's Jacob Davis believes that "Arkansas can still be in the Sumrall sweepstakes, but there are several speedbumps to drive over."
The main speedbump? Auburn, which appears to be a shoo-in to land Sumrall at this point.
At this point, AU's search has been suspiciously quiet and all but zeroed in on Sumrall. It's been an ideal hiring cycle from John Cohen's view. And if/when the Tigers hire Sumrall after Tulane is eliminated from championship contention, it's possible this is the smoothest coaching transition in a long time for this program.
The Hogs missed the boat on Sumrall and James Franklin. It's unclear who's their next top candidate, but if it's Malzahn, they'd probably only have competition from the Florida Gators for his services.