Arkansas Football Rumours: OC Kendal Briles linked to job within SEC

The 2021 college football coaching carousel could impact the Arkansas Football team in a major way if some recent rumors come to fruition.

According to multiple reports, Clemson Defensive Coordinator Brent Venables is set to leave the Palmetto State to become the next coach of the Oklahoma Sooners.

Venables is rumored to be targeting Ole Miss Offensive Coordinator Jeff Lebby to join him in Norman, Okla. for the same position.

This would create a big vacancy within the Ole Miss football program, which is where the impact could be felt by the Razorbacks.

Kendal Briles, Offensive Coordinator for the Arkansas football team, has been linked to a job with the Ole Miss Rebels

The Hogs OC seems like a top candidate to replace Lebby in Oxford to be one of Lane Kiffin’s top lieutenants, if Lebby decides to team-up with Venables.

Briles was given the keys to the offense at Florida Atlantic, where Kiffin coached from 2017-2019. Briles served as Kiffin’s Associate Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach for the 2017 season.

If Briles bolts to reunite with Kiffin, it would create an attractive opening for the Hogs. The Razorbacks expect to have KJ Jefferson return as the starting quarterback next season. He’s been one of the most prolific and talented quarterbacks in all of the SEC.

It’s not immediately clear if Head Coach Sam Pittman would elevate someone within the program currently or look outside to fill the position if Briles decides to leave.

Arkansas fans have had mixed feelings with Briles’ play calling this season, leaving some frustrated and happy to see him depart, if that becomes the case. Other fans have enjoyed watching him help Jefferson develop into a top-tier quarterback.

The Arkansas Razorbacks are currently preparing to take on Penn State Jan. 1 at 11 AM CT in the Outback Bowl.