FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino may be looking for a new offensive coordinator.
Garrick McGee, who has spent two of his four seasons with the Razorbacks as offensive coordinator, appears headed to Alabama-Birmingham as the program’s new head coach.
The Blazers did not announce McGee as its new coach Saturday. But Petrino issued a statement earlier in the day, congratulating McGee.
“I want to congratulate Garrick McGee on becoming the head football coach at UAB,” Petrino said in the statement. “I have enjoyed watching Garrick progress throughout his career and I am excited to see him get this opportunity. Garrick has been with me as a player and an assistant coach and I thank him for being a big part of everything we have been able to build here at Arkansas.”
The Birmingham News reported UAB had not made an official offer to McGee in its search to replace Neil Callaway, who was fired after going 18-42 in five seasons. McGee could not be reached for comment to clarify the conflicting accounts from both UAB and Arkansas on Saturday. The Razorbacks continued to stand by their statement, though.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
It would be no surprise to see McGee land the job. The 38-year-old has been a popular name in the coaching ranks for two years.
He interviewed for head coaching positions at Connecticut and Tulsa last year, but returned to Arkansas and became the program’s highest-paid assistant ($425,000 annually). He was in the mix at Florida Atlantic this month, but numerous reports indicate Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini will be introduced this week.
McGee is one of five finalists for the Broyles Award, which will be presented to the nation’s top assistant in Little Rock on Tuesday. He has worked with Arkansas quarterbacks Ryan Mallett and Tyler Wilson, helping both set numerous school records.
“The guidance he has provided our offense and quarterbacks the past four seasons has been immeasurable,” Petrino said in the statement. “Garrick grew up the son of a coach and is a natural teacher and leader. He will have a solid plan for the football program at UAB and the dedication to carry it out. Garrick, Tiffany and the entire McGee family leave with my gratitude for a job well done with the Razorbacks, and best wishes for continued success at UAB.”
It’s not clear if McGee plans to remain with Arkansas through the bowl game or leave for his new job with the Blazers — if his hiring becomes official. Arkansas will learn today whether it will play in the Capital One Bowl or Cotton Bowl, although an ESPN.com report indicated the Razorbacks are likely heading to Arlington.
Paul Petrino left Arkansas before it played in the Liberty Bowl two years ago. Petrino quickly promoted McGee to offensive coordinator.
When McGee is introduced at UAB, it means Petrino will be searching for his third offensive coordinator since arriving at Arkansas. Paul Petrino left the program after the 2009 regular season, taking a similar job at Illinois.
But, once again, Petrino has options on his current coaching staff. Offensive line coach Chris Klenakis came to Arkansas after spending 13 seasons as an offensive coordinator at Nevada, Southern Mississippi and Central Missouri before joining Petrino’s staff. Running backs coach Tim Horton was the offensive coordinator at Air Force for six months before arriving at Arkansas in 2007, the season before Petrino was hired.