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A season to forget came to an end for Arkansas on Friday, with a 24-14 loss to Missouri at home. With a final record of 2-10, the Arkansas administration will be on the lookout for Chad Morris’ replacement, and interim coach Barry Lunney Jr. will have likely coached his final game for the Razorbacks.
Lunney is an Arkansas native, and played quarterback in Fayetteville in the early 90s. He has been a mainstay on the Arkansas staff since 2013, and took over for Morris for the end of this season. Lunney was unable to win a game for the Razorbacks, as Arkansas’ SEC losing streak extended to 19 games
Here is what the emotional interim coach had to say after the loss:
Lunney says he’s incredibly grateful for the fans and how they rallied around the team despite the circumstances
— Kelli Stacy (@Kelli_Stacy_) November 29, 2019
Lunney said he decided to start Lindsey because of KJ’s concussion and Nick being evaluated for one early in the week as well. His performance last week also factored into his decision
— Kelli Stacy (@Kelli_Stacy_) November 29, 2019
Lunney on leaving so many players in Fayetteville (possibly with mumps): “It’s been a challenge, but that’s not an excuse. I’ve never seen anything like it. I don’t know if I ever will again.”
— Kelli Stacy (@Kelli_Stacy_) November 29, 2019
Lunney is very emotional discussing his time as interim: “It’s been a special time despite the circumstances. A special time. I’ll always remember how these guys got behind me. I’m really disappointed we couldn’t get one today. I really thought we were going to get one today.”
— Kelli Stacy (@Kelli_Stacy_) November 29, 2019
Lunney on Jack Lindsey: “I think he probably (played better than the numbers). He scrapped around and did his best under the circumstances.”
— Kelli Stacy (@Kelli_Stacy_) November 29, 2019
Lunney on Rakeem Boyd: “He’s been a great RB for this program. He’s just matured and matured. I think he needs to be back here next year. He’s got a high ceiling that’s nowhere near been reached, and I think it’d be beneficial for him to wear that Razorback uniform again.”
— Kelli Stacy (@Kelli_Stacy_) November 29, 2019
Lunney on De’Jon Harris: “He’s a warrior. He’s been a fantastic Razorback. He kind of epitomizes walking softly and carrying a big stick.”
— Kelli Stacy (@Kelli_Stacy_) November 29, 2019
Lunney said he doesn’t know if he’ll interview for the HC job. That’s up to Hunter Yurachek
— Kelli Stacy (@Kelli_Stacy_) November 29, 2019
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Lucas is a digital reporter for 104.5 The Zone in Nashville, and a high school play-by-play broadcaster. Lucas has been covering SEC football for Saturday Down South since 2018.
