After Texas A&M and FSU, the University of Arkansas also found its football coach. The head coach position for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team now belongs to former Southern Methodist University coach Chad Morris.
According to the reports, Morris agreed to a six-year deal, worth $3.5 million per year.
“The future is tremendously bright at the University of Arkansas with the addition of Chad Morris.” – said Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek. “I am confident that Chad will bring an exciting brand of football, phenomenal student-athletes and championships to Fayetteville, and do it all with high integrity.“
Arkansas previously fired Bret Bielema in November, after 4–8 record in 2017 season. Bielema was at Arkansas for five seasons, compiling 29–34 record.
After firing Bielema, Arkansas strongly pursued Auburn’s, Gus Malzahn. Malzahn, who played college football for the Razorbacks, opted to stay in Auburn, signing a hefty contract extension. Besides Morris, Arkansas also considered Memphis’ Mike Norvell.
Before starting his college coaching career, Chad Morris spent 16 years as a high school head coach in Texas. During that time, he compiled 169–38 record. His first college coaching experience came in 2010 when he took the position of offensive coordinator and associate head coach at the University of Tulsa. He didn’t stick much in Tulsa and moved to Dabo Swinney coached Clemson University, assuming the role of an offensive coordinator. After four years at Clemson, Morris gained his first opportunity as a head coach at SMU.
When Morris came to SMU, its football program was in a major rebuild. After going 2-10 in the first season, he managed to improve the record in the following season to 5-7. In 2017, Morris led the SMU Mustangs to a 7-5 record which means they are set to make their first bowl appearance since 2012. Now with struggling Arkansas Razorbacks, Morris will be expected to do the same all over again.
