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Updated Head Coach Candidates for Arkansas (11/4)

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Nov 4, 2025 7:48 AM ET

A great deal has happened since our initial list was released after Sam Pittman was fired on October 28^th. With one of their top targets, Rhett Lashlee, recently getting extension at SMU, here is a updated look at five legitimate options:

Ryan Silverfield, Memphis (Head Coach)

The skinny: This makes too much sense for several reasons. While this is only Silverfield’s sixth season as a head coach, all with Memphis, he has compiled a 50-21 record with the Tigers. And he has been more impressive in recent years, with Memphis going 29-6 since the start of the 2023 season. In 2025 he has the Tigers at 8-1 and in a prime position to make the playoffs as the G5 invitee. His time in Memphis has helped Silverfield establish strong recruiting roots in Tennessee, Texas, Georgia and Florida, which should only be enhanced if he got a job in the SEC.

Alex Golesh, USF (Head Coach)

The skinny: Golesh quickly helped turn around a USF program that was stuck in the mud for several years before his arrival. And this was sped up this season with the Bulls at 6-2 and with wins over Florida (3-5), Boise State (6-3) and North Texas (8-1). While he began coaching in 2003, most of his time was spent in the Midwest until 2020 when he was hired by Josh Heupel at UCF. But Golesh quickly made himself at home in the region. Also of note, his wife, Alexis, is a native of Arkansas.

Eric Morris – North Texas (Head Coach)

The skinny: Morris will be a head coach sooner than later, but with the Mean Green currently at 8-1, it might be much sooner than anyone would’ve expected a couple of months ago. He just turned 40 and has already coached Patrick Mahomes, Cam Ward, John Mateer, Chandler Morris and now Drew Mestemaker, who is having a breakout season. Morris was born, raised and played his college football in Texas (Texas Tech) so he is very familiar with the Arkansas area. It is likely that he will get a P4 job during this cycle, so the only question is if it will be with Arkansas.

Jon Sumrall – Tulane (Head Coach)

The skinny: This is only Sumrall’s fourth season as a head coach, but all he has done is win. First at Troy and now at Tulane, he has accumulated a 38-11 during this time. Sumrall is 43 years old, a native of Texas and played college football with the Kentucky Wildcats. He is widely respected as a talented defensive-minded coach, which would go in a different direction from the coaches above who are more focused on the offensive side of the ball.

Jerry Mack – Kennesaw State (Had Coach)

The skinny: This one would have been completely outside the box a few weeks ago, but with what he has accomplished during his first season at Kennesaw State, it is worth a mention. The Owls are 6-2 in their second season in the FBS and are 4-0 in CUSA. However, the timing likely isn’t right for Mack to make the jump to an SEC program this quickly. But with his successful season, plus him being a native of Memphis and playing his college football at Arkansas State, there is a lot to like about what he brings to the table.

Other names worth monitoring: Bobby Petrino – Arkansas (Interim Head Coach), GJ Kinne – Texas State (Head Coach)

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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