Arkansas Boosters Have Coveted Gus Malzahn For Years: ESPN
While the month of November marks a pivotal time in the coaching carousel across the college football landscape, one name that has reportedly been heavily sought after is UCF head coach Gus Malzahn.
According to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, Arkansas was highlighted as a potential spot with a job opening in the near future. Arkansas boosters have reportedly been eyeing Malzahn as the replacement for Sam Pittman for years.
If Malzahn were to make a move, Rittenberg believes that Arkansas would be in heavy pursuit.
“After an active Sunday/Monday, there will be increased attention on Week 12 and jobs that could soon open,” Rittenberg said. “Arkansas is gaining the most attention in the SEC, although the motivation to make a change there is mixed, as Sam Pittman is well-liked and was hired by athletic director Hunter Yurachek. But the Hogs are 3-7, and a home loss or a lukewarm win against Florida International could trigger a move. Although Arkansas would have a solid and diverse candidate pool, most of the buzz would center on native son Gus Malzahn, the UCF coach, who some boosters have coveted for years.”
Malzahn is currently in the midst of his third season in Orlando sporting an overall record of 23-14. The Knights finished with an impressive 18-9 record in two seasons in the AAC before their move to the Big 12 Conference in 2023.
While the Knights get set to play their last two games of the season in the Big 12 Conference, if a move is made at Arkansas to let go of Sam Pittman, UCF fans should at least expect to see Malzahn’s name brought up as a potential replacement.
