What Former Coach Said About Time with Hogs' Win over Tennessee

Eric Musselman joins talk show host for first Arkansas radio appearance to reflect on time at Arkansas, Calipari and football turnaround

\ Southern California Trojans running back Reggie Bush (left) and basketball coach Eric Musselman pose during the game against the LSU Tigers at Allegiant Stadium. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark — Former Arkansas Razorbacks coach Eric Musselman joined Northwest Arkansas radio host Josh Bertaccini for an interview Thursday afternoon. He was proud to see former co-worker Sam Pittman and his Razorbacks team knock off a Top 5 team last week.

"I watch as many Razorback games as I can," Musselman said during his segment. "What a win for the football team last week! I’m always pulling for the Hogs any time I see them play. It was an incredible place to live and coach and I feel like they’re in a great place moving forward.”

Great catching up with @dallascowboys owner Jerry Jones, #ProHogs @AnthonyBlack24_ and @lif3nick, and some of our #ProHogParents @nicktsmith19 @Jw23Mom and @johnewalsh1 today in Dallas! pic.twitter.com/Q0CPteE8QE

— Eric Musselman (@EricPMusselman) September 30, 2023

Musselman seemed to always be around campus supporting his fellow coaches regardless of sport. Whether he attended such games for his basketball program's gain, Musselman was a good ambassador for the university.

His social media presence spans far and wide as one of the more very online college coaches of his generation. If he is on vacation in certain cities across the country, the Razorbacks brand was on display with professional leagues, coaches and players.

Time spent throughout his career in the NBA, D-League circuit and other places allowed him to develop relationships with celebrities who showed up to Fayetteville to stop by and see Musselman. He made Arkansas basketball nationally relevant again and the program wouldn't have been in a spot to lure Hall of Fame coach John Calipari out of his lifetime contract at Kentucky without him.

Muss, on Yurachek hiring Calipari:
“Everybody knows Arkansas is one of the best jobs in the country. Hunter Yurachek did incredible work getting Coach Cal. We were selling out BWA. Obviously that will continue. They have a very talented roster and obviously the fans are all in.”

— Josh Bertaccini (@TheRealNWAJB) October 17, 2024

Musselman also shared how his plan the whole time was to remain with Arkansas following a disappointing 16-17 season. However, a job close to home opened up that he considered a 'good fit.'

Muss, on changing schools for next year:
“The plan really was to come back to Arkansas & make a strong run at the Final Four. We wanted to have a better year than we did last year. But the dominoes fell fast & the USC job opened and it gave our family a chance for its best fit.”

— Josh Bertaccini (@TheRealNWAJB) October 17, 2024

The Razorbacks delivered some of the best moments in program history with Musselman at the helm. Two seasons ago, Arkansas defeated No. 1 Auburn at home during the regular season and a win over overall No. 1 seed Gonzaga during the NCAA Tournament led to a second straight Elite Eight.

HOGS FEED:

• Camping experience highlights excitement for Calipari era of Razorbacks

• Hogs 'fringe playoff team' with win over LSU Saturday night

• Calipari excited about leading Arkansas on 'Adventure'

• Hogs tasked with slowing down LSU's offensive experience

• Pittman holds out hope Razorback quarterback can return

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