FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas offensive coordinator Garrick McGee was expected to interview for the head coaching vacancy at Alabama-Birmingham on Friday, according to the Birmingham News.
The newspaper reported late Thursday night the 38-year-old McGee is one of four finalists for the position. The group of finalists also includes former Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino, Auburn assistant coach Curtis Luper and former Kansas head coach Turner Gill.
UAB is searching for a replacement for Neil Callaway, who was fired earlier this week after going 18-42 in five seasons with the Blazers.
McGee, who is in his fourth season with the Razorbacks and second as offensive coordinator, has become a popular candidate in coaching searches the past two seasons.
He interviewed at Connecticut and Tulsa last winter and was reportedly in the mix at Florida Atlantic, which is searching for a replacement for retiring coach Howard Schnellenberger, this week. CBSSports.com first reported Thursday night Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini has been offered the FAU job and is expected to accept the position.
McGee is one of five finalists for the 2011 Broyles Award, which is presented to the nation’s top assistant coach. He is Arkansas’ highest-paid assistant, earning $425,000.