Arkansas Targets Alex Golesh to Lead Razorbacks After Sam Pittman Firing

Arkansas football has endured a challenging 2025 campaign, compiling a 2-9 record and enduring a lopsided home loss to Notre Dame on September 27 that dropped the Razorbacks to 2-3. The defeat accelerated administrative action, leading to the dismissal of head coach Sam Pittman.

In the wake of Pittman’s firing, the program has turned its attention to securing a replacement capable of revitalizing the team. Reports suggest that Alex Golesh, the current head coach at South Florida, has accepted an offer to lead the Razorbacks, although official confirmation from Golesh or the university has yet to be released.

Golesh has been at South Florida since 2023 and is credited with turning around a struggling program. The Bulls were 4-29 over three years under Jeff Scott and had not reached a bowl game since 2018, but Golesh has posted a 22-15 record, including appearances in bowl games during each of his first two seasons.

This season, South Florida is enjoying one of its most successful campaigns in recent history. After starting 2-0 with notable wins over Boise State and Florida, the Bulls sit at 8-3 and could achieve a nine-win season for the first time since 2017 with a Week 14 victory over Rice.

1. Golesh’s Coaching Background

Alex Golesh brings prior SEC experience, having served as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022. He followed head coach Josh Heupel from UCF to Tennessee, where his offensive schemes immediately improved the Volunteers’ production. Golesh’s success at Tennessee helped him secure the South Florida head coaching position, where he has demonstrated an ability to rebuild a program and instill consistency. His track record of turning struggling teams into bowl contenders makes him an appealing option for a Razorbacks program in need of a turnaround. At South Florida, Golesh has combined a disciplined approach with innovative offensive strategies, helping the Bulls compete against higher-profile opponents and regain national attention. His work has elevated USF to one of the stronger Group of Five programs in recent years. The combination of SEC experience and proven rebuilding skills positions Golesh as a coach capable of navigating the challenges of a competitive SEC West, where Arkansas must compete against perennial powerhouses.

2. Arkansas Coaching Search

Before Golesh emerged as the frontrunner, other candidates were discussed, including Rhett Lashlee, SMU’s head coach and a former Arkansas quarterback. Lashlee, however, appears likely to remain with the Mustangs. In the interim, former Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino has led the team since Pittman’s dismissal. Petrino, who posted a 34-17 record in his first tenure with the Razorbacks, has struggled this season, going 0-6 as interim coach. Golesh’s arrival would likely bring changes to the staff, though Petrino could remain in some capacity depending on the new head coach’s plans. Maintaining continuity while implementing a new vision will be key as Arkansas looks to rebuild. The Razorbacks are hoping that Golesh can replicate the success he achieved at South Florida, transforming Arkansas into a competitive force within the SEC and restoring momentum to a program that has struggled in recent years.

3. Looking Ahead for Arkansas

If confirmed, Golesh will face the dual challenge of immediate improvement and long-term program building. Arkansas will expect him to implement a winning culture while addressing roster gaps and recruiting in one of college football’s most competitive conferences. His experience turning around USF demonstrates his ability to manage expectations and build a winning team in a short timeframe, a skill that will be tested in the SEC West. Recruiting and player development will be critical, as Arkansas seeks to attract talent capable of competing against top-tier opponents. Golesh’s prior success and SEC familiarity provide a foundation for success in these areas. Ultimately, the Razorbacks aim to move past a disappointing season and reestablish themselves as a contender in the SEC, relying on Golesh’s leadership and vision to guide the program forward.