Bret Bielema's tenure leading the Arkansas program has come to an end. The decision comes after their 45-48 loss to Missouri this afternoon.
The university wasted no time in issuing a press release, making the news official. Bielema was literally told as he was walking off the field. Man, that's cold.
Today's move became a formality when the Arkansas administration moved on from AD Jeff Long last week, which was seen as a vote of no-confidence both in Bielema and Long's ability to hire Bielema's successor.
Bielema stunned college football back in December 2012 when news broke that he was leaving Wisconsin after three straight trips to the Rose Bowl to take over the Razorbacks.
His best season in Fayetteville came in 2015, when he led the program to an 8-5 mark. His first season, Arkansas finished 3-9, followed by a 7-6 2014 season, that 8-5 mark, and then 7-6 in 2016 and a 4-8 finish to this year. Bielema's record in the SEC was a disappointing 11-29 compared to his 37-19 run through the Big Ten (and 68-24 overall mark at Wisconsin).
With the move, Arkansas becomes the fourth SEC program to make a change at head coach this season, following Florida, Ole Miss and Tennessee.
Bielema will be paid approximately $5.9 million in connection with his buyout.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.