Arkansas coaching search: Report reveals latest on Alex Golesh, Kane Wommack's chances at Razorbacks job

Arkansas’ coaching search is nearing its pivotal weekend. The Razorbacks appear to be zeroing in on two finalists in South Florida’s Alex Golesh and Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack.

But despite a flurry of reports on Wednesday suggesting Golesh had already accepted the job, CBS Sports insiders Matt Zenitz and John Talty pushed back on that narrative. According to their reporting, Golesh remains Arkansas’ clear top target, but he plans to wait until after USF’s regular-season finale against Rice to make a final decision.

The 8–3 Bulls are closing out one of the best seasons in program history, and they’re also expected to become the first non–Power 4 school to commit to the full $20.5 million revenue-sharing model. It’s a sign of the investment USF is making to keep its momentum.

If Golesh chooses to stay in Tampa, the Razorbacks have another ready-made option. Wommack, Alabama’s defensive coordinator and a former Arkansas player, is viewed as the other finalist and would “seemingly become the focus” if Golesh passes, per CBS Sports.

Before joining Kalen DeBoer’s staff, Wommack went 22–16 as the head coach at South Alabama and drew interest from Liberty during its previous coaching search. His familiarity with the SEC, along with a reputation as one of college football’s sharpest young defensive minds, keeps him firmly in the mix.

Meanwhile, On3’s Pete Nakos added further clarity on Friday, noting that no deal has been signed and no decisions have been made. In fact, Arkansas’ search has been far more expansive than the two-man race headlines suggest.

Sources told On3 that athletic director Hunter Yurachek has spoken with more than 20 candidates since firing Sam Pittman, with Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield also among the names still under consideration. The process has been deliberate but aggressive, as Arkansas attempts to reset its program trajectory.

The urgency is easy to understand. Pittman was dismissed after a nationally televised blowout loss to Notre Dame, a game Yurachek described as “unacceptable,” and he departed with a 32–34 overall record and a 14–29 SEC mark.

Early in his tenure, Pittman was praised for Arkansas’ competitiveness, especially in tight games. But as Yurachek acknowledged, those narrow losses eventually became more indictment than encouragement. Arkansas wants a leader capable of turning razor-thin margins into real progress, and that’s what their search has focused on.

Now, the Razorbacks are entering the decisive phase of their search. Golesh will make his call. If he stays put, Wommack, and perhaps a surprise name or two, could see the door swing wide open. One way or another, Arkansas is positioning itself to move quickly as soon as the regular season ends.