Arkansas Football: 3 reasons Gus Malzahn should join the Razorbacks

1. Change of scenery to the team that introduced him to coaching in the SEC

During Bielema’s tenure with the Hogs, Arkansas never won more than eight games during a six-year span. Malzahn did defeat head coach Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide this year. Despite the loss, Alabama got into the College Football Playoff field. Malzahn could try his hand against the Tide with another program.

However, the one year that Malzahn spent with the Hogs, back in 2006, saw Arkansas finish with a 10-4 record. Malzahn spent the season battling former Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt in terms of the offensive philosophy. Arkansas is traditionally a run-heavy offense, and Malzahn believes in spreading the field.

He was able to find a way to make good use of a superstar duo in the backfield in Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, while also getting the ball to star receiver Marcus Monk. Malzahn could develop the Arkansas offense to fit the scheme he wants if he’s the head coach.

Next: Legacy of Bret Bielema with the Arkansas Razorbacks

With quarterback Austin Allen running out of eligibility this year, Malzahn could start fresh and develop some younger players to fit the style he wants. Kelley is a young quarterback with a strong arm that is a good bridge into another player that fits Malzahn’s scheme a bit better behind center. The pieces are in place for Malzahn to enter a good situation with the Hogs.