Next at Arkansas: Realistic candidates to replace Bielema

Arkansas is in the market for a head coach following the removal of Bret Bielema and there shouldn’t be a shortage of interest. A national coaching search will likely take place. And while it’s impossible to predict the direction of said search at this early juncture, especially with Arkansas also in the market for a new A.D., some names seem more realistic than others. Each possible candidate listed below has been assigned a “realism score.” A “10” on the realism meter signifies a can’t miss relationship for both parties. A “1” represents the idea of hiring Bill Belichick.

Why it’s realistic: An SEC job is the next logical step up for a head coach that has proven his worth at the Group of Five Level in the state of Tennessee. Arkansas allows Norvell to use his current recruiting base as well as expand it to higher level prospects. The Razorbacks can likely afford his salary and provide more tempered expectations than the other league schools with open jobs. Norvell may be contacted by other programs in the coming weeks, but Arkansas could make him a priority. Norvell played wide receiver at Central Arkansas, so it’s not as though he’s unfamiliar with the state’s football landscape.

Why it’s not: Novell could easily be snapped up by another school in need for a coach. He could also conceivably pass on Arkansas and elect to stay at Memphis and further raise his profile. There’s also the fact that Norvell, who took over a Memphis program that was already on solid footing, may shy away from a rebuild.

Realism rank: 7

Why it’s realistic: Harsin spent a season as the head coach at Arkansas State before bolting for Boise, where he won 12 games and the Fiesta Bowl in his first season. He has the Broncos on pace for another 10-win season in 2017 and makes as much sense as anyone for the Razorbacks.

Why it’s not: Arkansas may not be interested in giving Harsin his first Power Five gig. The fact that Boise State was on more than stable footing when Harsin took over also says he’s never been faced with an uphill climb as a coach. Harsin is no slam dunk, but he’s proven an ability to sustain success. Problem is, he’ll need to create it, not sustain it, in Fayetteville.

Realism rank: 7

Why it’s realistic: Arkansas needs to recruit Texas if it hopes to return to some semblance of glory and Morris is a Texas guy. He’s also a coach familiar with what it takes to rebuild a program. Morris has taken SMU from 1-11 to bowl eligibility in three seasons as the program's head coach. Morris is a Texas guy but also spent time at Clemson while the Tigers were becoming the powerhouse they are today.

Why it’s not: Morris’ track record as a head coach isn’t particularly long. This year is his first winning season, so hiring him to lead an SEC school is still a risk. Arkansas would likely explore other options before calling Morris, who would almost certainly listen should the Razorbacks reach out.

Realism rank: 5.5

Why it’s realistic: Leach is popular in Fayetteville. That much is clear. Arkansas fans have started a massive online petition to bring the Washington State coach to the SEC. Bill Moos, the athletic director that hired Leach at Washington State, jumped ship to Nebraska recently, and that kind of thing is capable of making a coach jumpy.

Why it’s not: Leach may be content in Pullman and Arkansas may want a younger coach with deeper ties to the SEC. There are other candidates that have a better understanding of life in the conference, so hiring Leach is a bit of a risk.

Realism rank: 5

Why it’s realistic: In just his second year at Iowa State, Campbell has built the Cyclones into a competitive team at warp speed. And that’s exactly what Arkansas fans hope their next head coach will be able to accomplish in Fayetteville. He’s done some spot recruiting in Texas and even Arkansas since arriving in Ames so he’s not totally naive to the area.

Why it’s not: There are a few reasons why not. Campbell has extremely limited ties to the South or to Texas, where the Razorbacks need to make their living recruiting. It’s also unclear whether or not the job would appeal to Campbell, as he’s only one more solid season away from seeing his options expand.

Realism rank: 5

Why it’s realistic: Malzahn has flirted with the hot seat in recent years and has to know he’s one bad season away from termination at all times. That’s enough to scare a coach into a fresh situation. Important people at Arkansas are pushing the school to make a play on the Auburn coach, who played wide receiver for the Razorbacks in the mid-1980s. Malzahn, a proven coach with a history of winning, is familiar with the region and the SEC.

Why it’s not: Is Malzahn interested in a homecoming? Is he spooked enough to walk away from Auburn, where’s he been for five mostly successful seasons to take on a rebuild in Fayetteville? It seems insane on the surface, but the situation is nuanced.

Realism rank: 4.5

Why it’s realistic: This would be something to behold. Kiffin has cache and is proving he can turn a program around in a hurry. He has FAU in the hunt for a conference after the program went 3-9 under the old coaching staff a year ago. Kiffin is a splash hire. Make no mistake about it. Such a move would have prospects and the country as a whole talking about Arkansas again. Say what you want about Kiffin, but he’s a national coach of the year candidate for a reason and that counts for something.

Why it’s not: Kiffin has a less-than-stellar track record as a head coach on the big stage and his persona is probably not a fit for Arkansas. The fact that he’s experiencing a season of success is nice, but it’s likely not enough for an SEC program to forget his past failures. Kiffin is a risk-reward hire and the Razorbacks are not in a position where that kind of risk is necessary.

Realism rank: 3.5