Is James Franklin Headed To Fayetteville? Updated Coaching Menu for Arkansas

Yes, this is a legitimate question. Despite what the voice of the Razorbacks says on a local radio show, it is a real possibility. Is this a done deal? No, but to completely dismiss what other media outlets have reported with such a pompous attitude is unprofessional. Along with the additional responsibilities of AD Hunter Yurachek, this search becomes vital for the future of this program. With this, including Franklin, we update the menu for the next Arkansas head coach. Who will be the next man in Fayetteville? 

Is James Franklin Headed To Fayetteville? Updated Coaching Menu for Arkansas

Franklin Is An Option 

The top prospect of the carousel is former Penn State head coach James Franklin. A proven winner at Vanderbilt and the Nittany Lions, Franklin immediately brings attention to the Hogs program. A Franklin hire puts the program on the map for top recruits, not only in the south but across the country. Will Franklin Call the Hogs or Enter Sandman? 

Eric Morris Is Not Chad

We mentioned North Texas head coach Eric Morris as a potential candidate. This has some fans sweating because of the last name, and rightfully so. The difference is that Morris can change the program for the positive. With some simple research, most fans will have common sense and should grasp the massive uptick. Is this the carousel where Morris gets off for a “P4” opportunity? After all, there are not enough of the “elite” coaches to fill these open positions. 

Lashlee Feels Natural 

Arkansas isn’t going to hire another SMU coach, are they? Well, this has a real possibility, as Rhett Lashlee has direct ties. The current head coach of the Mustangs has another chance to make the CFP. This success has the Arkansas brass’ attention as it should. What Lashlee does is simple: he wins games, recruits at a high level, and develops talent within his roster. How would this not be appealing to Arkansas?

Golesh In Razorback Red

Another coach with direct ties to Northwest Arkansas is Alex Golesh, of USF. The wife of Golesh is from Greenwood, Arkansas, and visits frequently. With the Bulls in contention for the American Championship, and potentially CFP berth, Golesh in Arkansas red makes sense. Does Arkansas being the “pro team of the state” persuade Golesh to leave the Sunshine State? We may soon get our answer. 

Jimbo? 

Yes, a name that we have not mentioned. After all, this is just what Arkansas does. So, we bring a name that has made mention he wants to get back into coaching, that could make a splash, Jimbo Fisher. A name connected with winning at a high level and can recruit within the SEC realm seems like a no-brainer. The question is, would Jimbo want to make the jump to Arkansas with other jobs possibly coming available? 

We Will Know Soon, Maybe

In closing, anytime there is a coaching search, it is essentially all speculation, with some smoke screens sent out. With this being said, these men listed have checked the boxes of what Arkansas needs in addition to connections that can be used to make perhaps the biggest hiring of the Hunter Yurachek era in Fayetteville.