Arkansas coaching search heats up as Lashlee’s name gains momentum

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rhett Lashlee’s name is starting to circulate around town and Arkansas’ sudden opening.

The SMU head coach, a former Arkansas quarterback, is being linked to the Razorbacks’ opening after Sam Pittman’s dismissal, and reports say he has a powerful backer in Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Lashlee isn’t running from the speculation, but he isn’t feeding it either. Asked this week about the rumors, he made sure to stay focused on his current job.

“I’m happy, I’ve got a great job,” Lashlee said. “We’re present and we’re happy here. We’re fully committed to what we’re building here.”

He also told On3 that the chatter hasn’t even been discussed inside his program.

“Internally, we haven’t said a word about it,” Lashlee said. “Outside of our world, there’s a lot of speculation, and that’s part of our business.”

That kind of response is common for coaches who find themselves linked to jobs, but Lashlee did add perspective.

“When your name gets linked to jobs, it means your team has done well,” he said.

Jones’ involvement changes the story

The Jerry Jones connection is what makes this situation different.

Bruce Feldman of The Athletic reported that Jones and his family are “squarely behind” efforts to get Lashlee to Arkansas, as relayed by Sports Illustrated.

For a program that ranks low in SEC financial commitment, that kind of support could change the calculus.

Jones himself was asked about the coaching search on Dallas’ 105.3 The Fan. He avoided specifics but made it clear he always has strong feelings about the Razorbacks.

Jones also acknowledged interim head coach Bobby Petrino, who is in charge the rest of the season and remains in the mix.

Even without a direct endorsement, Jones’ reported push gives Lashlee a spotlight that few other candidates can match.

It’s also a reminder of how much influence major boosters can wield in a high-profile search.

Finances remain an issue for Arkansas

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek has been open about the school’s budget challenges. He said the Razorbacks are near the bottom of the SEC in head coach pay, assistant salary pools and support staff funding, according to Chron.com.

That reality makes competing with other programs difficult.

A candidate like Lashlee might be drawn to the opportunity and tradition at Arkansas, but the financial side still matters. Boosters like Jones can help close that gap, but the dynamic raises questions about how much influence outside voices should have in a hire.

At SMU, Lashlee has backing from administrators who gave him a contract extension last fall.

His program is positioned to succeed in the ACC, which may offer an easier path to postseason success than the SEC. Those factors could make him cautious about leaving Dallas.

Lashlee’s ties to Arkansas run deep

Lashlee grew up in Springdale, played quarterback for the Razorbacks before a shoulder injury ended his career, and started coaching in Fayetteville.

He has also worked with Gus Malzahn at Auburn, plus stops at Arkansas State, Miami and UConn, before landing the SMU job.

That background explains why his name feels like a natural fit. He understands the culture, knows the state, and has built a reputation as an offensive mind who can adjust in the transfer portal and NIL era.

For an Arkansas program looking for stability and direction, those skills stand out.

SMU’s results only add to his résumé. The Mustangs have posted back-to-back 11-win seasons and earned a College Football Playoff berth, something few Group of 5 programs have accomplished.

Other names are still in the mix

Lashlee isn’t the only coach linked to the job. Sports Illustrated mentioned Jeff Traylor at UTSA, GJ Kinne at Texas State, Tulane’s Jon Sumrall and Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield as candidates who could get a look. Petrino also has support after taking over in a difficult situation.

The process is still in its early stages.

Lashlee’s connection to Arkansas and Jones’ reported push make him one of the more intriguing options, but he’s not alone. The decision will depend on how much the Razorbacks are willing to invest — financially and structurally — in their next head coach.

3 key takeaways

• Jerry Jones’ reported support gives Rhett Lashlee real traction in Arkansas’ coaching search.

• Lashlee has downplayed speculation and continues to emphasize his commitment to SMU.

• Arkansas’ financial limitations make booster involvement a key factor in the hire.