As the Arkansas Razorbacks embark on another head coaching search, a big name from their last coaching search seems likely to re-emerge in the rumor mill.
According to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn may be the favorite, at least from Arkansas’ point of view. Malzahn has deep ties to the state as a former high school coach and Arkansas assistant. He’s 60-29 at Auburn, though he’s won a share of the SEC West twice.
What isn’t clear is whether Malzahn would be interested. While his seat at Auburn seems eternally warm, there are significant financial implications if he leaves. Auburn would have to pay $27 million to fire him, and Malzahn would have to pay $7 million to depart unless the two sides negotiated a lower settlement. Even beyond the finances, it’s unclear that Malzahn is looking to move.
Memphis coach Mike Norvell, a former Central Arkansas wide receiver, is said to be another coach under consideration for the position.
The Razorbacks fired Chad Morris on Sunday, a day after a stunning home loss to Western Kentucky. Malzahn was said to be a top target of Arkansas during the hiring process that ultimately led them to Morris. We’ll see if Malzahn is more interested in moving this time.
