FILE - In this Nov. 18, 2017, file photo, SMU head coach Chad Morris watches from the sideline in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Memphis, in Memphis, Tenn. A person with direct knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that Arkansas has hired SMUâs Chad Morris to become the schoolâs new football coach. The person spoke Tuesday night, Dec. 5, 2017, on the condition of anonymity because the decision hasnât been made public yet. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
The Associated Press
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Chad Morris has plenty of work to do in order to return Arkansas to national relevance following a 4-8 season.
The new Razorbacks coach is already at work. He also says he wants to use his connections to the high school coaching ranks in Texas to bolster a program mired near the bottom of the Southeastern Conference over the last six seasons.
Morris met with Arkansas' players on Wednesday afternoon following his hiring away from SMU, and he was introduced publicly as the coach on Thursday.
The 49-year-old promised to bring the same up-tempo offensive approach he used with both the Mustangs and as an offensive coordinator at Clemson, along with hiring a defensive staff capable of game-planning for the rugged opponents in the SEC West.
FILE - In this Nov. 19, 2016, file photo, SMU head coach Chad Morris shouts instructions from the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Florida, in Dallas. A person with direct knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that Arkansas has hired SMUâs Chad Morris to become the schoolâs new football coach. The person spoke Tuesday night, Dec. 5, 2017, on the condition of anonymity because the decision hasnât been made public yet.(AP Photo/Brandon Wade, File)
The Associated Press