Arkansas brings in Morris from SMU
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas had its best back-to-back seasons in the Southeastern Conference when Bobby Petrino was leading a high-powered offensive attack during the 2010-11 seasons. The Razorbacks have turned to an up-tempo, offensive-minded coach — albeit one without Petrino’s scandalous baggage — to try and rekindle that level of success.
Arkansas hired SMU’s Chad Morris on Wednesday, ending nearly two weeks of uncertainty following Bret Bielema’s firing moments after the season ended. The 49-year-old Morris inherits a program in disarray, though his arrival — along with the hiring earlier in the week of new athletic director Hunter Yurachek — represents a fresh start for the program.
“The future is tremendously bright at the University of Arkansas with the addition of Chad Morris,” Yurachek said. “I am confident that Chad will bring an exciting brand of football, phenomenal studentathletes and championships to Fayetteville, and do it all with high integrity.”
Morris agreed to a six-year contract worth $3.5 million annually. He leaves the Mustangs after agreeing to an extension through 2023 last year.
Morris went 14-22 in three seasons at SMU. He took over a team that finished 1-11 in 2014, won two games his first season and improved to 5-7 in 2016 and 7-5 this year.
He replaces Bielema, who was fired after compiling a 29-34 record in five seasons, including 11-29 in the Southeastern Conference.