The SEC’s best kept secret is now public.

Arkansas has fired head coach Bret Bielema after five seasons in Fayetteville, the school announced after the loss to Missouri.

Bielema finished 29-34 during his tenure, capping off a very disappointing 4-8 season in 2017. Most recently, Bielema and Arkansas were beaten by Missouri. The Hogs recently fired Bielema’s biggest supporter in AD Jeff Long, and it was just a matter of time before Bielema suffered the same fate.

Bielema’s best season at Arkansas came during 2015’s 8-win season, but he never could take the Hogs program to the next level.

So, where does Arkansas turn now?

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn is rumored to be a major candidate, along with Memphis’ Mike Norvell. Either way, the program was heading in the wrong direction under Bielema and a change should help everyone, Bielema included.

Here’s the press release from the university:

“Shortly after the completion of today’s game, I met with Coach Bret Bielema and informed him of our decision to move forward with new leadership in the Razorback Football program,” Interim Athletics Director Julie Cromer Peoples said in a statement.

“During the course of the past five seasons, we have not been able to sustain the success on the field that is expected and required at the University of Arkansas. There is no question that Coach Bielema has been a valued and respected member of our department and has made a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes, including supporting them in their pursuit of graduation. We are grateful for his contributions to our program and most importantly his investment in the lives of our student-athletes. We wish him the very best both personally and professionally.

“Our goal has been and will always be to compete and win in the SEC and nationally. I firmly believe that with all that the University of Arkansas has to offer, including our history and tradition, our facilities, our passionate fan base and competing in the nation’s best conference, we will attract the interest of many of the top coaches in the nation.”