Possible Head Coach Candidates for Arkansas

Rhett Lashlee

Head Coach, SMU

I’ve said for a long time that he should be the first call here. There are so many reasons why. He is an alumni, a former grad assistant, took SMU to the College Football Playoff last year, and has an impressive record of 31-14 (2-2 in 2025). He led them through the transition to a Power Four conference and has things rolling. Where it becomes interesting is what SMU will do to keep him?

My guess is money will be no object and they’ll do what it takes to keep him. If he goes to Arkansas it’ll either be because of the sentimentality or allure of the SEC. I’m not sure he leaves a spot where he’s loved, appreciated, and has an easier path to the playoffs. Arkansas will make him say “no.” 

Ryan Silverfield

Head Coach, Memphis

Silverfield took over a great Group of 5 situation from Mike Norvell and has kept it rolling, going 43-21 in six-plus years for the Tigers (5-0). He has won double-digit games the last two seasons. At one of the premier G5 schools he has never had a losing season and has won every bowl game except his first when he was the interim.

He’s a coach where we just don’t expect a drop off to happen while he’s at Memphis. A big win against Arkansas this season might convince some of the decision makers that he can handle the jump to a P4 conference. Memphis is in the vicinity of Fayetteville, Ark. and he should have a handle on recruiting connections in this area. 

Bobby Petrino

Interim Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator, Arkansas

I think he has to be included and is a candidate with a shot. He was famously the head coach once before things went off the road, but having back-to-back double-digit win seasons isn’t easy at Arkansas and he did it. He is a master at offensive game planning and has been successful at multiple schools.

For all his faults and detractors, there aren’t many better football coaches around. If the Razorbacks go on a heater and can get to a bowl game, or better, he’ll be in the mix. I don’t think he’ll be the first choice, but if Lashlee says “no” then he’s in the mix. 

Fran Brown

Head Coach, Syracuse

Few coaches hit the ground running faster than Fran Brown at Syracuse (3-2). The former Georgia DB coach took the Orange from 6-7 under Dino Babers in 2023 to 10-3 last year and a Holiday Bowl win. He has hired good assistant coaches, done well in the transfer portal, and is recruiting at a highly competitive level. If he keeps this up he won’t be in the ACC for long. His SEC experience at Georgia with Kirby Smart will look good, as will the quick turnaround with Syracuse. 

Alex Golesh

Head Coach, USF

In 2023, Golesh was fantastic. His first season where the Bulls went 7-6 doesn’t tell the story of how much they improved. They were an absolutely terrible team under Jeff Scott, who was 4-26 in three seasons. They went to a bowl game in year one with Golesh. This season has started well for the Bulls (3-1) and wins over Boise State (3-1) and Florida (1-3) have made people notice.

He has SEC experience as offensive coordinator at Tennessee and prior to that was at UCF, Iowa State, Illinois and Toledo among others. He’s been a fast riser for multiple years.