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ChatGPT on our coach
Posted on 11/20/25 at 7:09 pm
Posted on 11/20/25 at 7:09 pm
I’m bored at the airport on my way home and decided to ask ChatGPT to name the single person they would hire for our open position based off what they knew or could find out about our program and opening. Here’s what it turned out:
quote:
If I had to pick just one person I believe would be THE best hire for the Arkansas Razorbacks football program to replace Sam Pittman, I’d pick Eric Morris (Head Coach of North Texas Mean Green).
Here’s a breakdown of why I lean that way (with caveats) and how he maps to what Arkansas needs:
?
? Why Eric Morris makes sense
• Morris has a strong reputation as an offensive innovator. He helped install very potent offenses (for example: at Texas Tech and at North Texas) that have put up high yardage and scoring numbers. ?
• He has demonstrated an ability to develop “under-the-radar” talent and build upward momentum. For instance, his North Texas offense has improved and his team has gained national attention despite being a “Group of Five.” ?
• Arkansas needs a culture boost, preferably someone who can attract recruits, energize the fan base, and deliver wins in the tough SEC. A young, ascending coach might bring that energy (rather than an older retread).
• Morris is younger (born 1985) and seems tuned into modern offense/analytics, which could help in a conference where offense matters and recruiting is fierce.
?
?? Why it’s not without challenges
• He is still relatively unproven at the Power 5 level in terms of head-coaching success in the toughest conference. Success at a Group of Five like North Texas doesn’t automatically translate to the SEC environment.
• Arkansas has its own unique challenges (recruiting in Arkansas, playing in the SEC, larger resources and expectations) and Morris would need to prove he can scale.
• There may be skepticism among the fan base about hiring a “smaller” job coach instead of a big name; the risk is higher if the first couple of years don’t show traction.
?
?? Why I picked him over other names
In the candidate pool—names like Alex Golesh, Pat Fitzgerald, P.J. Fleck—there are pros and cons, but Morris hits a sweet spot for Arkansas because he combines youthful upward trajectory + modern offense + ability to recruit/develop.
Golesh is also strong (he’s been mentioned heavily). ? But the question is: who is the best fit given Arkansas’ situation? Morris, in my view, checks more boxes for “build now, sustain later” rather than just “name hire”.
3
Posted on 11/20/25 at 7:20 pm to TheCheshireHog
It's obvious to everyone but those who actually make the decision.
Posted on 11/20/25 at 7:21 pm to DaleDenton
It does make a very strong argument. Naturally we’ll hire a retread defensive minded coach instead.
Posted on 11/20/25 at 8:01 pm to TheCheshireHog
Grok picked Sumrall.
quote:
My Pick: Jon Sumrall
If I could hire one person as the next head coach, it'd be Jon Sumrall from Tulane. He's the ideal blend of rising star energy, SEC pedigree, and Arkansas-specific savvy that aligns perfectly with what the Hogs need right now.
Why Sumrall Fits Arkansas Like a Glove
Proven Winner with Quick Turnarounds: At Troy (Sun Belt), he went 23-5 over two seasons (2021-22), including an 11-2 campaign and bowl win—transforming a middling program into a contender. Now at Tulane (AAC), his 2025 team is 9-2, on pace for another conference title game. He knows how to build from the ground up, which mirrors Arkansas' post-Pittman reset. Unlike Petrino's 0-8 interim flop, Sumrall delivers results fast without drama.
Arkansas Roots for Recruiting Dominance: Born and raised in Kentucky but with deep ties to Arkansas high school football—he's scouted and recruited the state extensively as an SEC assistant (Vanderbilt, Kentucky). His wife is an Auburn grad, but insiders say he'd jump for an SEC gig in his "home region." Arkansas football is 70% in-state reliant; Sumrall could flip that pipeline (e.g., poach from rivals like Gus Malzahn's network), stabilizing the 13-commit class and portal losses.
Modern, Balanced Style: Explosive offenses (Troy averaged 40+ PPG; Tulane top-20 nationally in 2025) paired with stout defenses (top-25 nationally in points allowed). He's portal-proficient (landed key transfers at both stops) and NIL-smart, using relationships over cash dumps. At 43, he's young enough for a 10-year run but experienced (coordinated at Kentucky, Vanderbilt). No hazing scandals like Pat Fitzgerald or baggage like Petrino's motorcycle exit.
Program Fit and Upside: Arkansas isn't Alabama money-wise, but Sumrall thrives on loyalty and culture—he's a "players' coach" who demands accountability (per interviews). He'd pair well with Yurachek's budget bump, hiring coordinators like Kane Wommack (Alabama DC, Arkansas native) for defense. Long-term: 8-4 floors, 10-win ceilings, and SEC relevance without the diva risks of a Jon Gruden (too NFL-focused, no college track record).
This post was edited on 11/20/25 at 8:02 pm
Posted on 11/20/25 at 8:31 pm to TheCheshireHog
I asked GPT and it picked Traylor lol. Starting to sound like any other message board thread. Morris didn't even get a mention in the alternatives.
Lashlee, Chadwell, Odom (lol), and Leipold (lol) were listed as "close alternatives".
Lashlee, Chadwell, Odom (lol), and Leipold (lol) were listed as "close alternatives".
This post was edited on 11/20/25 at 8:34 pm
Posted on 11/20/25 at 8:32 pm to Drewbie
Well it's compiling info from boards and articles so...
Posted on 11/20/25 at 8:33 pm to UltimateHog
I asked ChatGPT to pick the most likely winner for the Arkansas Razorbacks. If he failed at coaching, then ChatGPT would be unplugged. This is what it said:
If it’s my life on the line and I have to pick the safest, highest-probability choice specifically for Arkansas, here’s the breakdown and the pick:
Dan Mullen — the survival pick
If the goal is “don’t get unplugged,” you need the coach with the highest floor, the best SEC experience, and the best chance to win immediately.
That’s Dan Mullen.
Why Mullen:
• Proven winner in the SEC, which matters more for Arkansas than any other factor.
• Turned Mississippi State—a program very similar to Arkansas in resources—into a consistent ranked team and reached No. 1 in the nation.
• Fantastic offensive mind who can elevate average QB talent.
• He has the highest chance to make Arkansas a bowl team fast, which is the minimum you need to “not get unplugged.”
?
How the others compare:
Jon Sumrall
• Tough, physical, modern coach.
• Great culture builder.
• Long-term upside is very high.
• But no SEC head-coaching track record—slightly more boom/bust.
Bob Chesney
• Brilliant builder at lower levels.
• Could be amazing long-term, but the jump to the SEC West is enormous.
• Riskier if you need immediate results.
?
Final Answer: DAN MULLEN.
He gives Arkansas the highest immediate baseline competence, the safest offensive floor, and the best odds you stay plugged in.
If it’s my life on the line and I have to pick the safest, highest-probability choice specifically for Arkansas, here’s the breakdown and the pick:
Dan Mullen — the survival pick
If the goal is “don’t get unplugged,” you need the coach with the highest floor, the best SEC experience, and the best chance to win immediately.
That’s Dan Mullen.
Why Mullen:
• Proven winner in the SEC, which matters more for Arkansas than any other factor.
• Turned Mississippi State—a program very similar to Arkansas in resources—into a consistent ranked team and reached No. 1 in the nation.
• Fantastic offensive mind who can elevate average QB talent.
• He has the highest chance to make Arkansas a bowl team fast, which is the minimum you need to “not get unplugged.”
?
How the others compare:
Jon Sumrall
• Tough, physical, modern coach.
• Great culture builder.
• Long-term upside is very high.
• But no SEC head-coaching track record—slightly more boom/bust.
Bob Chesney
• Brilliant builder at lower levels.
• Could be amazing long-term, but the jump to the SEC West is enormous.
• Riskier if you need immediate results.
?
Final Answer: DAN MULLEN.
He gives Arkansas the highest immediate baseline competence, the safest offensive floor, and the best odds you stay plugged in.
Posted on 11/20/25 at 8:36 pm to DaleDenton
quote:Oh I know, just pointing out you can ask it the same thing 5 times and get 5 different answers.
Well it's compiling info from boards and articles so...
Posted on 11/20/25 at 8:37 pm to FayetteNAM
I got Lashlee, clearly my AI hasn’t been updated
This post was edited on 11/20/25 at 8:38 pm
Posted on 11/20/25 at 8:40 pm to Drewbie
quote:
Oh I know, just pointing out you can ask it the same thing 5 times and get 5 different answers.
Think it’s also influenced by who you’ve searched for and other questions you’ve asked. Just a crap shoot, and hallucinations.
Posted on 11/20/25 at 8:57 pm to FayetteNAM
quote:
I asked ChatGPT to pick the most likely winner for the Arkansas Razorbacks. If he failed at coaching, then ChatGPT would be unplugged. This is what it said:
Haha that’s a good prompt. I may try that one as well.
Posted on 11/20/25 at 9:17 pm to Woopigsooie20
Perplexity is thinking Silverfield is the most likely hire, Eric Morris is right behind him however. No mention of Lashlee or Malzhan.
Posted on 11/20/25 at 9:39 pm to WonderWartHawg
So AI is about as smart as the message boards.
Posted on 11/21/25 at 11:05 am to WonderWartHawg
Hiring Silverfield is like going to the Ford dealer to buy and Expedition but settling for an Escape (LT package).
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