The Bret Bielema era was over after four seasons, ending in 2017.
Gus Malzahn was – allegedly – the primary target after Bielema’s exit, but Malzahn didn’t want to leave War Eagle after receiving an extension from Auburn. Next on the list, allegedly, was Chad Morris, who became the new head coach, signing a six-year contract in early December 2017.
Despite being an offensive ‘guru’ and successful high school coach, he didn’t pan out. Most of the recruits in his first class were afterthoughts in the grand scheme of things. Only one turned into a diamond and has become a Razorbacks legend.
In hindsight, Morris’s first recruiting class was a sign of what would happen during the 22 games he coached.