REPORT: USC Expected To Hire Musselman As Next Head Coach

Razorbacks coach leaves for west coast following successful five season run

Mar 13, 2024; Nashville, TN, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Eric Musselman looks on from the / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — According to ESPN and CBS, the University of Southern California is reportedly in the final stages of working out a deal with Arkansas’ Eric Musselman as its next head coach. 

Musselman spent the past five seasons in Fayetteville. The former NBA head man went 111-59 with the Razorbacks which included a pair of Elite Eight appearances and a Sweet Sixteen in 2023. He was one of the winningest coaches in the SEC over the course of his tenure with the Hogs behind Nate Oats who has won 117 in the same span. 

A move to the Trojans comes after Musselman’s team fell below his previous Razorback teams' standard this past season with a 16-17 overall record. Arkansas' 17 losses were the most it's recorded in a season since 2008-09 under John Pelphrey.

Musselman had been connected to several jobs throughout the country including SMU and Louisville. USC provides its expected new coach the chance to return closer to home, having graduated college at San Diego in the same city where his mother currently lives. 

Before leading the Razorbacks, Musselman ventured around the country coaching basketball in several different professional leagues including the Rapid City Thrillers of the CBA. He won 100 games before the age of 28 which was the most in the history of professional basketball.

Musselman made head coaching stops in the NBA at Golden State (2002-04) and Sacramento (2006-2007) with a stint as an assistant in Orlando (2004-06) sandwiched in between. After leaving the Kings, he dropped down to the NBA D-League (now G-League) to become the Los Angeles D-Fenders coach. In two seasons at the helm, he was dubbed as one of the best teachers of the game from 2010-12.

From 2014-16, Musselman left the NBA to become an assistant in the college game with Arizona State (2012-14) and LSU (2014-15). He accepted the head coaching position with Nevada which, at the time, was considered one of the weakest programs in the Mountain West Conference. The Wolfpack made three NCAA Tournament appearances from 2017-19 and won 24 games or more each season. Musselman’s best team, led by the Martin twins, Cody and Caleb, took their squad to its deepest run since 2004. 

The Trojans replace former coach Andy Enfield after 11 seasons, including five tournament appearances and an Elite Eight run in 2021, its first in 20 years. Musselman is expected to become USC’s fifth head coach since the turn of this century. With several players like star Bronny James entering the transfer portal, McDonald’s All-American Trent Perry decommitting, and Liam Campbell asking for his release from scholarship, there will be two commits remaining. Musselman will need to seek the transfer portal for new blood.

With Arkansas becoming a late opening, several positions have already been filled like Louisville, Oklahoma State and Michigan. It is likely Arkansas’ job will be highly sought after considering its successful run under Musselman.

HOGS FEED:

• Arkansas fans need to truly understand what happened in Chris Beard abuse incident before making decision on him either way

• Hogs gaining confidence running game will be much improved this fall

• Razorbacks fans get another chance to be hurt by an Arkansas coach

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