5 potential replacements for Chad Morris at Arkansas
2. Mike Norvell, Memphis head coach
After a narrow win over Tulsa on Saturday, Norvell is now 33-15 into his fourth season at Memphis. A second 10-win season in the last three possible this year (7-1 now), even with the remaining schedule looking challenging for the Tigers (SMU, Houston, South Florida and Cincinnati).
Norvell surfaced as a prominent candidate at Arkansas two years ago, alongside Morris. But Memphis retained him with a contract extension.
So excited about the future of Memphis Tiger football and to announce that I have signed an extension to continue to lead this great program! Thank you to @UofMemphisPres Tom Bowen and Board of Trustees for allowing me the opportunity #StripeEmUp #TigerFam #CLIMB #Grateful pic.twitter.com/vE7YLf0DuG
— Mike Norvell (@Coach_Norvell) December 5, 2017
Even with that new contract, Norvell’s $500,000 buyout was not changed from his original contract. So any school that wants him can have him fairly easily if he wants to leave, and not have to cover a significant buyout to get him. With the buyouts to Bielema and Morris Arkansas would be on the hook for, with the legal action regarding Bielema’s buyout apparently going on right now, a move to get Norvell looks incredibly possible.
It takes two to tango though. Norvell may simply be comfortable at Memphis, and continued success there could put him in play for better jobs down the road. But if Arkansas is starting to consider firing Morris, Norvell should easily be on their early list of candidates to step in.