From 'Likely Targets' to 'Dream Scenarios', 12 coaches the Hogs should pursue

It's been almost six years since the last time Arkansas has been in a football coaching search, but after letting go of Sam Pittman on Sunday, the University has been thrust into another, not even halfway through the 2025-26 season.

Arkansas became the fourth FBS team to let go of its coach before the end of September. That means Arkansas will have to compete with Virginia Tech, UCLA, and Oklahoma State. Luckily, Arkansas beat Florida to the punch—which will likely let go of Billy Napier this season—and is the only SEC team of the bunch.

The question remains: who will Arkansas target? Here is a list of 12 coaches Arkansas should pursue, ranked 'likely targets' to 'dream scenario'

12 coaches Arkansas football should target

Likely Targets

Bobby Petrino—Arkansas interim head coach
Kane Wommack—Alabama defensive coordinator
Barry Odom—Purdue head coach
GJ Kinne—Texas State head coach

Arkansas has already named former Razorback head coach and current offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino the interim head coach. According to Hunter Yurachek's statement following Pittman's dismissal, Petrino has already "expressed his desire to be a candidate for the full-time job."

However, Petrino isn't the only candidate on this list with Arkansas ties. Alabama's defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack, started his collegiate career with the Hogs as a fullback for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He also has head coaching experience, leading South Alabama to a 22-16 record over three seasons, including a 10-3 record in 2022.

Barry Odom also has ties to the program. When Pittman began his tenure at Arkansas, he brought in Odom as the defensive coordinator. Since he left, he revitalized a failing UNLV program, and as of now, he has taken over a Purdue team that hasn't had a winning season since 2022.

Finally, to round out the likely picks is Texas State head coach GJ Kinne. After spending four years bouncing between the NFL and the Canadian Football League, the former Tulsa quarterback transitioned into coaching and eventually followed Chad Morris to Arkansas as an offensive analyst. The Bobcats are just his second stint as a head coach after spending one season at Incarnate Word. Overall, he has a 31-13 record as a head coach.

Next: High Picks