Eric Morris Emerges as Leading Candidate in Arkansas Coaching Search

The 2025 Arkansas football season has been tumultuous from the start. After parting ways with Sam Pittman early in the year, the Razorbacks turned to Bobby Petrino as interim head coach, but results on the field did not improve. With the regular season drawing to a close, Arkansas is now preparing to make a permanent hire to stabilize the program.

On3 Sports insider Pete Nakos reports that North Texas head coach Eric Morris has emerged as one of the hottest names in the coaching search. While Lane Kiffin’s decision continues to dominate headlines, Morris is gaining traction with the Razorbacks as a potential solution to their leadership void.

Oklahoma State has also expressed interest in Morris, adding intrigue to the decision and hinting at the possibility of a competitive race between programs for his services. Morris’ reputation as an offensive innovator and quarterback developer has made him a sought-after candidate.

Known for his work with Patrick Mahomes and Cam Ward, Morris has built a reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” and an offensive strategist capable of transforming high-powered units. His rise from offensive coordinator to head coach at North Texas has been rapid and has put him squarely in the national conversation.

1. The Arkansas Search

The Razorbacks’ search has been extensive, with athletic director Hunter Yurachek reportedly speaking to over 20 candidates while keeping the process intentionally low-profile. The goal is to find a coach capable of rebuilding a program that has struggled in recent seasons. Alongside Morris, other candidates remain in the mix. Nakos cites USF’s Alex Golesh, Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield, and Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack as potential contenders, illustrating the depth of talent Arkansas is evaluating. Rumors about Matt Campbell have circulated, but On3 could not confirm Arkansas’ interest, suggesting that the final decision is still very much in flux. The next 24 hours are expected to provide greater clarity as the search reaches its final stages. With multiple programs vying for top candidates, Arkansas is navigating a delicate balance between acting quickly and securing the right fit for the long term. Timing and strategy could be key in locking down a candidate like Morris.

2. Eric Morris’ Appeal

Eric Morris has earned a strong reputation in college football circles due to his work developing quarterbacks and high-powered offenses. His success at North Texas has made him one of the most attractive coaches from the Group of Six schools. Morris’ résumé includes notable work with Patrick Mahomes and Cam Ward, emphasizing his ability to mentor elite talent and adapt schemes to maximize player strengths. This versatility makes him an appealing option for programs looking to modernize their offensive approach. His rapid rise from offensive coordinator to head coach has highlighted his strategic acumen and leadership abilities. At North Texas, Morris has demonstrated an ability to compete consistently despite fewer resources than programs in Power Five conferences. For Arkansas, Morris represents both a fresh start and a long-term vision. His emphasis on quarterback development and offensive innovation aligns with the Razorbacks’ need to rebuild and compete at a higher level in the SEC.

3. The Coaching Carousel

The Arkansas search does not exist in a vacuum. Oklahoma State has also expressed interest in Morris following the departure of Mike Gundy, raising the possibility of a bidding war between the two programs. Other candidates for the Cowboys include Golesh, Wommack, and Texas A&M offensive coordinator Collin Klein, further complicating the national coaching landscape. The end of the coaching carousel is approaching, and programs must act decisively to secure their preferred candidate. For Arkansas, securing Morris—or another high-profile coach—will require balancing financial considerations, program fit, and timing. The SEC’s competitive nature makes every hire consequential, both on the field and for recruiting. As the regular season winds down, Arkansas’ next move will signal its commitment to rebuilding the program and establishing long-term stability. Fans and insiders alike are watching closely as the coaching carousel enters its final stretch.