When Andy Enfield left USC to take the head coaching job at SMU, many connected Eric Musselman to the open position for the Trojans – and indeed the Muss bus departed Fayetteville and Arkansas to come back out west to help lead USC as they move into the Big Ten.
That puts the Hogs in a tough spot, as many of the top tier coaching candidates have already found new jobs this offseason – including Dusty May (Michigan) Pat Kelsey (Louisville) Darian DeVries (West Virginia) and Mark Byington (Vanderbilt).
However, Arkansas has their sights set on a bigger fish, notably targeting a pair of high major head coaches in Chris Beard and Jerome Tang, as well as former LSU coach Will Wade who is now at McNeese St.
Beard was considered the top candidate until he revealed plans to stay at Ole Miss after a successful first season in Oxford, which elevated Tang to the top of Arkansas’ wish list.
Source: Kansas State's Jerome Tang is now expected to be at the top of Arkansas' list to replace Eric Musselman. https://t.co/kEiKkkeJeC
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 5, 2024
Tang wrapped up just his second season as a head coach, leading Kansas State to an Elite Eight in his first year in 2022-23 but failing to make the NCAA Tournament in year two.
With nearly two decades of experience working under Scott Drew at Baylor, a massively successful first season, and proven adeptness at navigating the transfer portal, it is no surprise to see Arkansas narrowing in on Tang.
Plus, Kansas State and Tang reportedly had a disagreement on the punishment for Nae’Qwan Tomlin earlier this season, which ultimately led to Tomlin entering the transfer portal at midseason and going to Memphis.
Could Tang follow suit? And, if so, could he bring key pieces from this Wildcats team with him to Fayetteville – including Michigan transfer guard Dug McDaniel who committed to the Wildcats earlier this week?
Time will tell, but coming off a disastrous season the Razorbacks could use good news on the basketball front and Tang would represent a promising start.