Report: Chad Morris likely to be hired at Arkansas

Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor -

SMU head coach Chad Morris is the leading candidate to fill the open vacancy at Arkansas as their next football coach in Fayetteville. According to multiple reports, Morris is finalizing the details of his new contract with the Hogs.

The former Clemson offensive coordinator (2011-2014) has a 14-22 record at SMU in a complete rebuilding situation. In 2017, the Mustangs have had an impressive season with a 7-5 record and will play in the upcoming Frisco Bowl against Louisiana Tech.

Morris would become the 33rd head coach in Arkansas history. He has spent time at SMU, Clemson, Tulsa, and 16 years at the Texas high school level going 169-38.

He would drastically help with Arkansas' recruiting in the state of Texas as 43/46 of his SMU signees were from Texas the last two years.

The AP is reporting that Morris has agreed to a six-year contract

Arkansas is expected to name SMU's Chad Morris as head coach later today sometime after the new AD is introduced. Morris is expected to be introduced at a press conference tomorrow. Deal has still not officially been signed but should be later this morning. — Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) December 6, 2017

Source: Chad Morris has emerged as Arkansas top target. Expect a deal in 24 hours. — Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 5, 2017

Chad Morris will be be named the head coach at the University of Arkansas. #wps — Trey Biddy (@TreyBiddy) December 5, 2017

Hearing Chad Morris to the #Razorbacks pending finalization of contract details. Would be a good one, IMO. @OtisKirk247 — JC Shurburtt (@jcshurburtt) December 5, 2017

Hearing that Arkansas is likely wrapping up its coaching search shortly. SMU's Chad Morris is a leading candidate to replace Bret Bielema with the Hogs. Morris is 14-22 in three years with the Mustangs but excelled as Clemson's offensive coordinator and... https://t.co/YOBjzR9BnX — Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 5, 2017

I already love Chad Morris ?? pic.twitter.com/Z72o9srYHQ — Todd Brandt (@TBisEZ) December 5, 2017