Chad Morris likely to be hired at Arkansas

Morris, 49, has a 14-22 record with the Mustangs, but his team's performance has improved dramatically over the past three seasons. The Mustangs were 2-10 in his first season and went 7-5 to earn a berth in the Miami Beach Bowl on December 20 against Louisiana Tech in 2017.

Prior to taking over the SMU program, Morris was Clemson's offensive coordinator from 2011-14. SMU ranks 13th nationally in total offense (493.8 yards per game) and eighth in scoring offense (40.2 points per game). His connections throughout the Lone Star State could prove to be a big boost for Arkansas in recruiting.

While we can't confirm Arkansas and Morris have reached an agreement, we're being told the two sides are in discussions.

Hunter Yurachek was named Arkansas new athletic director on Monday, so it makes sense the search for a football coach will ramp up now. Long was the man who hired Bielema away from Wisconsin following the 2012 regular season in what was considered a major coup for the Razorbacks at the time.

Arkansas was one of six SEC jobs to come open this offseason.

The Razorbacks have been scouring the coaching market since firing Bret Bielema on November 24 following a 4-8 season in 2017.

When Arkansas fired Bret Bielema on the day the Hogs' season ended - heck, they may have fired him as the season ended - speculation was that Auburn's Gus Malzahn would be at the top of the list of possible replacements. But Arkansas could not lure Malzahn, who led Auburn to an SEC West title this season, home.

Memphis coach Mike Norvell, a UCA graduate, is known to have been under heavy Arkansas consideration.