Below, we have a free story, just to straighten out some misinformation floating around regarding Arkansas assistant coaches. We'd also like to give non-subscribers of HawgSports.com an opportunity to see the information only available to subscribers...
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Razorbacks hit crucial week of recruiting
For those wondering what is actually going on with the Razorback coaching staff, there are several things we can deduce, and there's plenty we know for sure.
Despite reports, HawgSports.com's has it on good authority that linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves is absolutely going to remain on staff. For added proof, Hargreaves offered 2018 linebacker Rosendo Louis, 6-2, 225. Coaches who are out for other jobs or aren't returning don't do that. Speculation arose for some when there weren't any reports of Hargreaves being on the road since the dead period lifted on Jan. 12. Any report to the contrary is false; Hargreaves will return.
Hargreaves hasn't done anything to warrant being in jeopardy in the first place, and with the move to a 3-4 defense it wouldn't be the best move to have two brand new linebacker coaches. That's right - two linebacker coaches. Oftentimes teams that run a 3-4 defense have both an inside linebacker coach and an outside linebacker coach, so keep an eye on that possibility moving forward. This was suggested by HawgSports.com back in October when we first broke down why Arkansas could move to a 3-4 defense.
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Now, using the Hargreaves logic, there is no question but to keep an eye on defensive line coach Rory Segrest. Segrest has been MIA on the recruiting trail since January 12. With Arkansas being down one coach already with Robb Smith being encouraged to take another position, that has allowed Bret Bielema to put recruiting coordinator E.K. Frank on the road.
But Franks hasn't been visiting just DBs, he has been to see defensive linemen Malik Young and Melvin Johnson. Obviously, there is no reason to send Franks over Segrest. Coaches may only visit prospects once a week during this limited time, so it's not like Segrest could go visit later in the week.
Personally, I don't think Segrest is the guy that should absorb so much of the blame for Arkansas' defensive woes, and maybe he has decided to move on to another opportunity. Regardless, sometimes shakeup is necessary if things just aren't working out. He was offered the defensive line coach position with the Philadelphia Eagles last season and turned it down because the timing wasn't right. That happened, despite what anyone reported to the contrary.
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This is far from 'breaking news,' but if Segrest isn't at Arkansas moving forward, the guy to watch is former FAU coach Charlie Partridge, who held the same position at Arkansas in Bielema's first year. Partridge may not have had much success in his three-year stint at FAU, but he was a good DL coach at Arkansas, and he was a very good recruiter in Florida. Arkansas owes the signature of Alex Collins to Partridge, don't forget.
Otherwise, some things you may have missed, but are certainly out there now, if you aren't subscribed to HawgSports.com is that Dan Enos was indeed offered the OC job at Pittsburgh as well as at least one NFL position and possibly two. That was first reported at HawgSports.com. Pitt wanted him bad and threw a lot of money his way. He is staying at Arkansas now obviously, but his contract is being reworked and enhanced.
Now, it would appear that Arkansas will hire a new DL coach, a new linebackers coach - probably outside linebackers with Hargreaves staying inside - and there is a need for another secondary coach to join Paul Rhoads...
But wait, that's five coaches on defense in addition to Bielema being a coach with a defensive background (former linebacker coach and former defensive coordinator) and five coaches on offense. Too many coaches? -No, not once legislation passes that schools will be able to hire a 10th assistant coach as early as April. It would be nice if that could be done by March so the coach could join for spring drills, however.
That's pretty much it. Just some personal opinions, but as I've stated numerous times, it wouldn't be the worst idea to hire a new guy with strong connections to the Dallas area. Read more about that here: New assistant needs deep-rooted Texas ties
