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Mark May criticizes Hunter Yurachek for publicly admitting Arkansas can't compete monetarily

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh7 hours agogriffin_mcveigh
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek
Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek. Courtesy: Nelson Chenault - Imagn Images

Former ESPN analyst Mark May does not seem too impressed with the current candidates for the Arkansas head coaching job. Speaking at the Little Rock Touchdown Club, he called for the Razorbacks to aim higher in the search. No specific names were mentioned but given the state of the SEC, May wants a splashy hire in Fayetteville.

“They’re all great coaches and they’ve all done a terrific job where they are,” May said. “But this is the big-time. This is the best conference on the planet for college football. It’s the SEC. You’re playing in the best, get the best. If you want to compete to win championships, get the best, get the right guy for the job.”

On3’s Pete Nakos recently reported on the three names most involved with Arkansas. ESPN’s Pete Thamel then added another on Saturday, saying Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack is an option. Thamel added a decision should be made in the coming days for athletic director Hunter Yurachek.

Speaking of Yurachek, May also took time to call him out over previous comments. Yurachek admitted Arkansas has not put together the required pieces to compete in football, coming shortly after Sam Pittman was fired. May says the AD is “crazy” for admitting that in a public space, potentially scaring coaches off.

“I’m sure they’re good. But they’re young guys with young families and they’re going to have to move their families and they’re going to think twice about getting this job when you see your athletic director saying you can’t monetarily compete with everyone else,” May said. “You’ve got to be crazy to say that publicly. Because, one, the recruits aren’t going to come here. Two, if you’re a good coach worth his salt, you’re probably making as much money as where you are now than coming here. So, why not go ahead and get somebody who wants to be here?”

Arkansas finished inside the final College Football Playoff top 25 once under Pittman. A 10-win season has not taken place since 2011, when Bobby Petrino was the full-time head coach. Right now, he serves as the interim while Yurachek looks for a replacement.

Based on comments, some more money is going to be needed in order to compete among the best in the SEC. May might think there is some damage control to be done by Yurachek, especially if Arkansas wants to hire a big-time coach.