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Coaching rumors: USA Today columnist says 2 SEC jobs could come open this week
By SDS Staff
Published:
The always dreaded “Black Sunday” is just three days away, and there’s already one SEC job that’s currently open in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
The Hogs fired Chad Morris after a brutal 2-8 start to the season. Overall, Morris was just 4-18 (0-14 in the SEC) not even two years in on the job. The Hogs are looking at a number of coaches to help revive a proud program.
Will any other SEC coaches be fired this year?
USA Today columnist Dan Wolken speculates that two jobs may come open this week: Missouri and Mississippi State.
On Missouri …
“Missouri, where Barry Odom will be 25-25 after four years assuming he beats Arkansas this weekend. This year’s team has been a massive disappointment, losing five in a row heading into the season final. Moreover, Odom has beaten just two SEC teams in his four years who finished with winning records — Florida last year and Arkansas in 2016. Odom’s buyout is more than reasonable at $2.65 million.”
On Mississippi State …
“Mississippi State, where Joe Moorhead has proven to be a terrible fit in two seasons. There is strong belief around the industry that an Egg Bowl loss to Ole Miss would seal his fate, though it’s possible he could be fired even with a win. Moorhead could be on Rutgers’ list, providing a soft landing and a clean exit.”
Barry Odom is the most likely to get fired of any other coach in the SEC currently. It’s important to note that Vanderbilt has already said that Derek Mason will return in 2020.
Odom is just 5-6 this season and needs a win over Arkansas Saturday to get six wins on the season. The Tigers, however, are not eligible for a bowl game in 2019.
Joe Moorhead needs a win against Ole Miss Thursday night in the Egg Bowl to soften the noise in Starkville, too. Moorhead inherited a very talented roster in 2018, but through two seasons, it’s safe to say he’s underachieved.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
