Nov 18, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs head coach Chad Morris before the game against the Memphis Tigers at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Photo Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
The Arkansas Razorbacks hired SMU’s Chad Morris to become their next head coach, according to multiple reports Wednesday.
Morris’ deal at Arkansas is expected to be in the $4 million range annually, according to ESPN.
The 49-year-old Morris had a 14-22 record in three seasons rebuilding the program at SMU. The Mustangs went 2-10 in his first season in 2015, 5-7 in 2016 and 7-5 this season.
The Razorbacks fired Bret Bielema last month after going 4-8 in his fifth season. Arkansas hired Houston’s Hunter Yurachek as its new athletic director on Monday.
Morris played a key role in helping Clemson become a national power when he was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2011 to 2014.
Other candidates for the Arkansas job included Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables and Memphis coach Mike Norvell, who agreed to a contract extension Tuesday to remain at the school.
The Mustangs will play Louisiana Tech in the DXL Frisco Bowl on Dec. 20.
