I am back with another updated version of a coach candidate list. I will probably be busy all day posting multiple coach candidate lists, so be on the lookout and keep an eye on this link below when updated:
https://fanspo.com/nfl/s/college_football/p/ehkeG_1Wbo6Yb-/coach-candidate-tier-list-links
There haven't been much news to come out of Arkansas and with the growing list of schools, it has pushed Arkansas to the bottom of the SEC and Big Ten jobs available. Some of the top names may not become the head coach for the Razorbacks due to other better jobs, but they currently seem to be the top names thrown around.
The Fans Choice
Bobby Petrino, former Arkansas (2008-11) and current Interim (2025 season only) Head Coach
The former head coach who is now the interim is seen as the top guy right this second, but he is 0-4 this season and does not seem to have a win this season with back to back to back top 25 matchups left. You can argue that he can't win because he doesn't have his players or coaches, but he was the OC for two seasons now and recruited his QB to Arkansas along with his now interim OC an he also fired most of the defensive staff once he took over. I feel like most of this is currently excuses and denial to see that Petrino might not be equipped for this day in age to compete in the SEC.
More Realistic Options
Ryan Silverfield, Memphis (2020-?)
With Rhett Lashlee getting an contract extension, it seems as Silverfield has became the top option for the job. Consistent winner who has yet to make an American Conference Championship appearance may have his shot this season.
Alex Golesh, USF (2023-?)
I don't think he was on the first list, but has definitely moved up the list. A candidate for almost every SEC job right now is seen as one of two G5 coaches who may have any job he wants and may take the Arkansas job if someone like LSU, Auburn, or Florida passes on him for someone else.
Jon Sumrall, Tulane (2024-?)
Like Golesh, is seen as someone who could possibly have any job he wants. He is closely tied to the Auburn and LSU job, but I believe he is looking for another job east of Fayetteville.
A Vet Coach Needing That Rebound School
James Franklin, former Penn State Head Coach (2014-25)
He is the top unemployed coach available right now and could take almost any job he wants as well. He is currently tied to the Virginia Tech job, but if he wants to go to a school to compete and not have an easy path and actually earn his way to the CFP, Arkansas is the right place.
Jimbo Fisher, former Florida State (2010-17) and Texas A&M (2018-23) Head Coach
If you have to make a list of unemployed coaches wanting back in, Franklin and Jimbo are one and two in that order. I also see him in the same boat as James wanting to go to the ACC where it is easier to win games and less competitive where everyone just beats up with each other. Go 9-3 or 10-2 with ACC Championship win and you are in the CFP.
Gus Malzahn, Florida State (OC; 2025-?)
If it wasn't for Florida State's four game losing streak, he would be on the top of the list. But with their downfall, potential Norvell exit, and his overall age his stock has fallen. This is the guy I initially thought had the job in the bag, but has lost traction lately.
Could Pop Up
Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State (2023-?)
We go from Malzahn to former Malzahn assistant. A top, young up and comer who has taken his alma mater from 3-9 to 11-3 in one season with Sam Leavitt and Cam Skattebo leading the team. He has gained a lot of traction lately thinking he will take a bigger job soon.
P.J. Fleck, Minnesota (2017-?)
One of the top names in the Big Ten. Has been thrown around as a potential hire candidate at big name schools like Arkansas, Penn State, and Virginia Tech recently. At one hand, I want to see how he does at a bigger school with more money and resources, and talented players, on the other I am not sure how he would do at a bigger school having to play big schools like Alabama and Georgia or even Oklahoma and Texas year after year.
Tony Elliott, Virginia (2022-?)
Elliott has one of the biggest comeback stories going from looking like a definite out if miss the bowl games four seasons in a row to three games away from the ACC Championship Game. I honestly don't see him leaving at the moment, but could see him eyeing that Clemson job if it ever opens.
Lost Traction
Charles Huff, Southern Miss (2025-?)
He has taken a 1-11 team to 6-2 and yet does not seem to be in the running for the Arkansas job. I personally think he has his mind set somewhere in the DMV area. Looking more at Virginia Tech and Maryland (if it opens).
Tyson Helton, Western Kentucky (2019-?)
It doesn't seem like Helton is being considered for the Arkansas job. Who knows if he is really looking for an upgrade or if he enjoys Bowling Green. If he does want to coach in the P5, this season may be his best chance or the worst possible time. No in between.
Off The List
Jeff Traylor, UTSA (2020-?)
Two reasons: one, his Roadrunners are currently 4-4 and have struggled after making the move to the American. And two, he is a Texas guy who has only spent two years working outside of the state of Texas. He most likely does not want to leave without taking a bigger Texas job.
Jon Gruden, former Las Vegas Raiders (1998-01, 2018-21) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-07) Head Coach
It doesn't sound like Arkansas wants to go after Gruden. It sounds more like they are looking for a more younger, up and coming coach instead of a coach with lack of college experience.
Rhett Lashlee, SMU (2022-?)
This was my top guy at one point, but he just took a contract extension and ultimately eliminating himself from the job.
Dan Mullen, UNLV (2025-?)
Arkansas did not take him off their list, Mullen took himself off contention. He has stated that he does not want the job and has endorsed Malzahn for the job. This could be a ploy, but I have never seen a coach endorse another coach then turn around and take the job a few weeks later. That just sounds stupid if this so happens.
There is my second list. Let me know what your thoughts are on this list and keep your eyes out for another update list and the Auburn list.