The Arkansas Razorbacks job is just the latest of Power Four programs to become open after firing head coach Sam Pittman. Arkansas follows Virginia Tech, UCLA and Oklahoma State.
These four jobs, among others that are likely to become open soon or after the season, will be vying for similar candidates. One of those could be former Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden, who Brett Favre said he wouldn’t be surprised to see land in Fayetteville.
“I’ve always said Jon Gruden is one of the sharpest minds in football,” Favre posted on X. “His energy, passion, and love for the game are a perfect fit for the SEC… Wouldn’t be surprised to see him land somewhere like Arkansas. I could see Gruden being a spark for that program.”
Gruden was a part of the Green Bay Packers staff as an offensive assistant during the 1992 season. That year, Favre became the Packers’ starter and went on to play 20 seasons with the franchise, winning one Super Bowl and three consecutive MVPs from 1995 to 1997.
Jon Gruden Wants to Coach College Football
Gruden hasn’t been on the sidelines since the 2021 season when he was head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. That stint ended on bad terms, not just with the team but league-wide after old emails surfaced that revealed derogatory comments from Gruden.
But the passion to lead a team is still with the 62-year-old.
Before the 2025 season began, Gruden met with the Georgia Bulldogs, telling the team that he is not only eager to return to coaching but wants to do so in the SEC.
“The only reason I really came here is I want to coach again,” Gruden said during the speaking engagement. “I’m being honest with you, I do not bulls—, either. I want to coach again. I’d die to coach in the SEC. I would love it. I would f—ing love it.”
With Arkansas now open, that’s one program where Gruden could send his résumé. But it might not be the only one. Florida and Auburn could also open if Billy Napier and Hugh Freeze keep losing.
Arkansas Has a Top Target Candidate
There will be a number of candidates that Arkansas will consider. However, their top target is SMU’s Rhett Lashlee, according to Pig Trail Nation’s Mike Irwin. The problem: Lashlee may have no interest in the Razorbacks job.
“What I’m told about Lashlee: Worries that the Arkansas job is a potential career killer,” Irwin posted. “Has strong support in Dallas. Much easier to win/make playoffs in the ACC. Would need big, big money to even consider Arkansas. Still, he is the popular choice right now.”
There’s also interim and former Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, who has made a number of staff moves since Pittman’s firing as a way to show his interest in the job. Petrino is said to be considered, but he’s also said to be a longshot, per Irwin.
Does that mean Gruden would be considered? He has to be, especially at a place like Arkansas. He would be the Razorbacks’ version of Bill Belichick at North Carolina — a legendary NFL coach landing at a program with rare conference success.
Belichick has already created massive interest for the Tar Heels, causing ticket sales to skyrocket and sparking changes in the NIL structure in Chapel Hill. Perhaps Gruden could do the same for Arkansas.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Jon Gruden Gets Major Endorsement for College Job Opening appeared first on Heavy Sports.