The Latest In Arkansas’ Search For New Coach

Arkansas must turn page after being turned down by pair of coaches

Texas A&M's head coach Buzz Williams yells to his players during the first round game between / Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It’s been an eventful 48 hours in the Natural State since Eric Musselman left the Razorbacks for the West Coast and USC.

Reports have varied from Chris Beard being extremely close to striking a deal with Arkansas before things fell apart in the end. Ole Miss was able to secure its coach in Oxford for the foreseeable future which sent Hunter Yurachek back to square one.

Then, the focus was set toward Kansas State’s Jerome Tang. As reported by allHOGS Friday, the Wildcats head man would commit to his program . 

Since striking out on both Beard and Tang, who are decorated coach of the year honorees, it appears McNeese State’s Will Wade is the lead candidate. Here’s what we are hearing on the Arkansas front with Wade.

There are several coaches around the country the allHOGS staff have spoken with that consider Wade being linked heavily to the job. 

“It is well known most of the league and country are on notice if Will [Wade] gets that job," one coach said. If he doesn’t it would be considered a huge letdown.”

There is possible pushback with Wade due to his show cause penalty related to recruiting violations. It becomes void in mid-October allowing him to recruit off-campus.

Wade is considered a ‘stud’ by many in coaching circles and an advocate for his players over the course of 10 seasons. He currently sits 220-100 overall, a two-time conference coach of the year and has led three different programs to the NCAA Tournament. 

Likely one of his finest coaching jobs was this past season at McNeese State. The Cowboys’ earned an auto-bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. Wade also led his program to its first 30-win season in school history. 

According to a source at allHOGS, Wade would accept the Arkansas job if offered. 

Another name that’s circled around a few times is Texas A&M’s Buzz Williams. There are rumors of the Aggies coach and new athletic director not clicking over the past few months.

A source in College Station believes Williams is interested in the Arkansas job, like many around the country. However, this source doesn’t believe he will enter negotiations.

Williams has a lengthy amount of experience at the highest level with Marquette, Virginia Tech and Texas A&M. He sits 350-217 with four appearances in the Sweet Sixteen.

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