It seems that either way Texas will have a former Arkansas secondary coach on its staff next season. The Longhorns are talking to both Clay Jennings, who is currently on Arkansas' staff, and Purdue's Taver Johnson. Later Wednesday morning it was confirmed that Texas has hired Jennings. Earlier in the day a source indicated Arkansas felt there was a 10- or 20-percent chance of being able to keep him.

Johnson coached at Arkansas two years including the 2013 season under Bret Bielema. He left following the season to go to Purdue. Jennings just completed his second season at Arkansas after coming over from TCU.

According to reports, Johnson interviewed with Charlie Strong on Monday and then Jennings on Tuesday. Sources vary on if Charlie Strong offered the job to Jennings.

All things considered, it might be hard for Arkansas to keep Jennings if some sources indicate the Horns truly did offer him the job. Once again though some sources close to Texas indicate Jennings wasn't offered the job on Tuesday.

Texas has no state income tax and some insurance factors that could influence Jennings. However, it's also believed that for Jennings to go to Texas he would likely request a three-year contract. Strong is believed to be on the hot seat after two years that were less than overwhelming. The Longhorns did rally at end of the Class of 2016 to secure, on paper, a talented group.

Jennings is a noted recruiter who has extensive Texas ties. Johnson has worked for some good schools, but doesn't have the recruiting ties in The Lone Star State that Jennings has. Jennings was the lead recruiter for Beaumont (Texas) Central 4-star running back Devwah Whaley.

Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema has already seen offensive line coach Sam Pittman leave for Georgia and running back coach Jemal Singleton head to the Indianapolis Colts. He replaced Pittman with Kurt Anderson from the Buffalo Bills and hired Kansas' Reggie Mitchell to mentor the running backs. Both Anderson and Mitchell appear to be outstanding hires.

It appears Strong will make a decision on who he wants to hire soon and then Bielema will know if he has to do another coaching search.

