Wednesday morning update: Sources tell FootballScoop that Chad Morris has agreed to become the next head coach of the Razorbacks.
With Morris leaving SMU, the number of FBS head coaching changes is now at 20. Keep track of all head coaching movement, in both college and the NFL, here.
Original Tuesday article>
According to a report from Pete Thamel, SMU head coach Chad Morris has emerged as the top target for the Razorbacks, and a deal is expected within the next 24 hours.
Our sources have communicated all along that Morris would take the job if offered.
Morris took over a struggling SMU program following the departure of June Jones and has rebuilt it, branded it extremely well, and instilled an enormous amount of excitement back into the program.
The rebuild at SMU started with a 2-10 year in 2015, then a jump to 5-7 and then 7-5 in 2016 and 2-17, respectfully. Overall that puts him at 14-22, and 8-16 in AAC play, but those that fully understand the rebuild he took on can put that in proper perspective. SMU was chosen to participate in the Frisco Bowl, which will take place December 30th.
Before going to SMU, Morris was the offensive coordinator at Clemson for a few seasons, and spent a year at Tulsa before that. Prior to making the jump to the college level, Morris was a very successful Texas high school head coach at Eustace HS, Elysian Fields HS, Bay City HS, and most notably, Stephenville HS and Lake Travis HS. His relationships with high school coaches in the Lone Star state will prove to be invaluable as he looks to rebuild the Razorbacks.
Our intel all along was that Arkansas would target an offensive minded head coach that could recruit Texas, and the Morris would certainly check both of those boxes.
Sources tell us to expect Morris to target Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables for his defensive coordinator spot on staff. If Morris could land Venables, it would be huge news in the coaching world.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest