In the week since Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long gave coach Bobby Petrino the unceremonious boot, about the only new development regarding UA’s “coaching search” is that there haven’t been any developments... at least publicly. Everyone from Gus Malzahn to Gary Patterson and former NFL coach Steve Mariucci has, in some form or fashion, deflected any talk connecting them to the vacant position.
Still, that hasn’t stopped some from throwing out possible names on a Daly basis (*nudgnudge*).
Via his official Twitter account, PGA member and Arkansas alum John Daly* (pictured) decided he would toss another name into the UA coaching hat for consideration: former NFL coach and ESPN analyst Jon Gruden.Been trying to help, all is in @JeffLongUA hands & I’ve passed all info to him--if that is the route they want to go I think that Gruden would be the perfect fit! Razorback fans would welcome Gruden with open arms! I know it’s a long shot but I live for Arkansas!
If we can’t get Gruden we need a NFL coach--Petrino raised the bar in Razorback football & I’m hoping @jefflongUA gets us someone strong is my point! I’m here to support our Hogs & the decision that is made!
For the past two years, Gruden’s name has, at least in passing, been associated with every single coaching vacancy at every level of football -- even Pee Wee. And, every time, it hasn’t happened. Now, one could make the connection that because of Gruden’s QB expertise mashed with Tyler Wilson‘s growing buzz, this would be a match made in heaven. Beyond that? That’s up to Long to see if there’s a fit. If Gruden’s interested. If Long’s interested.
(*Before anybody asks, no, I don’t know if Daly gets his pants at Grandmothers “R” Us. Lay off, will ya?)