Jim Chaney Leaves Arkansas
By Chase Foster
Everything seemed to be going in the right direction for Arkansas after a dominating bowl win and an incredible recruiting class. Then, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney decided to leave the Razorbacks for the University of Pittsburgh.
The move was shocking after such a great turnaround season at Arkansas in which he led the offense to a 7-6 record with the nation’s toughest schedule. The Hogs had jumped from 99th in total offense to 60th in 2014 and averaged 31.9 points per game; up 11 points from a season ago.
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The move came only days after defensive coordinator Robb Smith signed a 3-year extension that made him one of the more higher paid assistant coaches. Chaney was said to be in talks about a contract extension with Arkansas, but quickly fled for the ACC, where he’ll team up with ex-Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi.
To Arkansas fans, the move didn’t make sense with 9 returning starters on offense, including both 1,000 yard rushers Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams. Quarterback Brandon Allen and the top two receivers from 2014 were also returning. Allen threw just 5 interceptions during his junior season with Chaney at the helm.
On the other hand, Chaney looks to be going in the right direction considering he’s a pass heavy offensive coordinator. Teaming up with Bret Bielema was a odd combination of run heavy and pass heavy clashing offenses.
The Razorbacks now search for an offensive coordinator to replace Chaney, and perhaps one that fits the Bielema mold this time around.