As Arkansas closes in on its next head coaching hire, all eyes in Fayetteville, and across college football, are locked on an entirely different program: Ole Miss. The Razorbacks’ pursuit of Alex Golesh appears to be in a holding pattern, and sources believe the reason is simple:
Everything may depend on whether Lane Kiffin stays or goes.
Golesh's Decision: Why the Delay?
For days, Golesh has been viewed as Arkansas’ top choice, with several reports suggesting a deal was close: One outlet reported Golesh had already accepted the job. Another said the two sides were in “deep” negotiations, to the point Arkansas informed other candidates they were out. But finally, late Wednesday, CBS Sports’ John Talty pumped the brakes, reporting that Golesh had not yet officially accepted the Razorbacks’ offer. While he remains the program’s top target, Golesh has told those around him that his final decision won’t come until the weekend.
According to Talty, there is still “optimism” a deal gets done with Arkansas but the delay has opened the door for Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, identified as a legitimate fallback option if talks with Golesh fall apart.
The Kiffin Domino
The holdup may have nothing to do with Arkansas and everything to do with Lane Kiffin’s uncertain future at Ole Miss.
If Kiffin leaves Oxford for LSU, it immediately triggers one of the biggest domino effects in the country:
- Ole Miss becomes a top-tier opening, instantly leapfrogging Arkansas on the hierarchy of SEC jobs.
- Multiple coaching candidates, especially Jon Sumrall (Tulane) and Golesh (USF), would almost certainly be on Ole Miss’ short list.
- Arkansas could suddenly lose its top target to a more attractive job.
247Sports’ Brandon Marcello told 103.7 The Buzz that he expects Sumrall and Golesh to be at the top of Ole Miss’ list if Kiffin departs. Both coaches bring strong Group of Five résumés and a competitive edge that aligns with the culture Ole Miss wants to preserve.
Why Arkansas Wants Kiffin to Stay
Oddly enough, the Razorbacks’ best-case scenario isn’t tied to their own search, it’s tied to Ole Miss keeping its coach.
If Kiffin stays:
- Arkansas retains a clear path to hiring Golesh.
- The SEC coaching carousel remains relatively stable.
- The Razorbacks avoid competing with Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida, and LSU for the same few coveted coaches.
But if Kiffin leaves:
- Ole Miss jumps to the top of the market, alongside Florida.
- LSU panics and pivots fast, trying to beat the Rebels, Gators, Tigers, and Hogs to available candidates.
- Arkansas’ search becomes dramatically more complicated.
In other words: Kiffin’s decision has the power to reshape the entire SEC.
Arkansas Waits… and Watches
This is not unfamiliar territory for Arkansas. Six years ago, the Razorbacks learned the hard way how chaotic the coaching carousel can become once the first domino drops.
This time, athletic director Hunter Yurachek is attempting to act quickly but may be stuck in neutral until Kiffin makes his move. The Razorbacks want Golesh. Golesh is their top choice. But Ole Miss might want Golesh, too and that possibility alone could be enough to make him wait.
The Bottom Line
Arkansas isn’t just waiting on Alex Golesh. They’re waiting on Lane Kiffin, whose decision could redefine the coaching landscape.
If Yurachek truly wants Golesh and believes he's their "guy", he’d be wise to get pen on paper soon. Because if Kiffin packs for LSU, the Razorbacks may suddenly find themselves scrambling in the chaos of the SEC coaching sweepstakes.