SEC school reportedly enters final stage of coaching search targeting one frontrunner

Arkansas’ coaching search appears to be nearing its conclusion as the program moves into “the final stages” of its process, according to a report by Pete Nakos. 

The Razorbacks have been without a permanent head coach since firing Sam Pittman on Sept. 28 following a 2-3 start, and university leadership has spent the past several weeks evaluating a wide slate of candidates across the Power Four and top Group of Five ranks.

Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall has emerged as one of the most discussed names connected to the vacancy.

The 43-year-old has drawn significant interest across the SEC thanks to a rapid climb that includes a 23-4 run at Troy with two Sun Belt titles and strong early success at Tulane. Sumrall posted a 9-5 debut season with the Green Wave in 2024 and has Tulane ranked No. 24 at 8-2 this fall. 

Sumrall signed an extension last offseason valued at roughly $15 million and running through 2029, but his rising profile has placed him firmly on the radar of multiple SEC programs. 

With Arkansas now ramping down, a hire could realistically be finalized by late in the coming days or weeks. 

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