Dem-Gaz: Razorbacks’ coaching search in final stages

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack

In state sports news, one of the leading candidates for the vacant Arkansas head football coaching job sidestepped questions about his interest Monday as Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek’s search neared its final phase, according to reporting from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, 38, was asked during his weekly availability about reports linking him to Arkansas. With the Crimson Tide preparing for Saturday’s Iron Bowl, he declined to comment.

“I appreciate the question, but I’m not going to address any job opportunity stuff,” Wommack said.

Wommack, the son of former Arkansas assistant Dave Wommack, played two seasons for the Razorbacks before transferring to Southern Miss. He is in his second season at Alabama after going 22-16 in three years as head coach at South Alabama. His résumé also includes defensive coordinator posts at Indiana, South Alabama, and Eastern Illinois, along with graduate assistant experience at Ole Miss.

Sources told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette the search is close to concluding. With the early national signing period set for Dec. 3-5, UA officials hope to name a new coach by Monday, two days after the season finale against Missouri. Yurachek is in Texas through Tuesday night in his role with the College Football Playoff selection committee.

Recent discussions have included Wommack, Memphis Coach Ryan Silverfield, South Florida Coach Alex Golesh and North Texas Coach Eric Morris, according to the Democrat-Gazette and ESPN. Industry sources say former Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald, former LSU Coach Ed Orgeron and Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn have also been part of the broader, 20-plus-candidate search.

Interim Coach Bobby Petrino said Monday he has not been told whether he remains under consideration.