Hogs' Fans Appear to Have Answer Regarding Musselman

New development indicates whether Arkansas Razorbacks need to find new coach

Eric Musselman / Wesley Hitt/GettyImages

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — According to a source within the Arkansas athletic department, as of Saturday afternoon, Eric Musselman is expected to return as Razorbacks basketball coach next season.

Musselman had been recently linked to the open jobs at Louisville and SMU and was generating a lot of noise for the Wisconsin job should the Badgers move on from head coach Greg Gard after falling to James Madison in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Of course, until things are made official, minds can always change. Last minute offers from other schools can always throw a wrench in things, but there is evidence to support the feeling of confidence he will be back.

With reports of Musselman’s status running rampant nationally for new jobs, Natty State Sports’ Curtis Wilkerson shared that Arkansas was busy making in-home visits with transfer targets Friday. 

There hasn’t been a shortage of activity via the transfer portal this offseason. That will also support the report he will return. Arkansas’ staff have reached out to 36 transfers since the portal opened March 18.

Arkansas will likely revamp its roster this offseason. Layden Blocker, Davonte Davis, Keyon Menifield, Joseph Pinion and Denijay Harris have already entered the transfer portal this week. Others like Makhi Mitchell, Jalen Graham, El Ellis, Jeremiah Davenport and Chandler Lawson have expired their eligibility.

Link Prep’s Jalen Shelley and Isaiah Elohim are signees with potential to play early in the Hogs’ front court. No decisions have been announced from Tramon Mark, Khalif Battle, Baye Fall and Trevon Brazile, all of whom have an option to return next season.

Due to the intense competitive nature of Musselman, it should come as no surprise that he wants to improve off a 16-17 season after putting together the greatest three-year stretch since Nolan Richardson went to back-to-back national championship games.

“I'm probably more motivated right now at this moment than I ever have been," Musselman said after losing in the SEC Tournament. "I can't wait to work."