Three coaching candidates Arkansas should consider after Eric Musselman’s departure

Following hours of reckless speculation by Razorback fans around the globe, it’s official: Eric Musselman is leaving Arkansas for USC. 

After three consecutive runs to the Sweet 16, the Hogs seemed destined for another deep run in 2023-24 before the wheels fell off the Muss Bus, leaving Arkansas to miss the NCAA Tournament entirely. The news broke earlier in the week that Musselman might be leaving Fayetteville, but now that it is happening in earnest, let’s look at three candidates who Arkansas should consider for their vacant head-coaching position. 

Chris Beard, Ole Miss head coach

Poaching Beard from a bitter rival in Ole Miss would be one of the only things that could numb the pain of Musselman’s departure for Arkansas fans. While Beard did sign a four-year deal with the Rebels before the start of last season, athletic director Hunter Yurachek has proven he’s not afraid to wave the checkbook around in order to lure top coaching talent to the Natural State. Despite off-court issues, Beard is a proven winner and after resurrecting a dead Ole Miss program this season, he would be a good fit for their conference rival. 

Joe Pasternack, UC Santa-Barbara head coach 

This one might come out of left field, as Pasternack has seldom been mentioned among Arkansas media as a potential Musselman replacement. However, his record at the mid-major school stands out, as he’s compiled 148 wins in just seven seasons with the program, an average of just over 21 per year. 20 wins is usually the benchmark for a solid season and with Pasternack leading UCSB to the NCAA Tournament twice in his tenure – including a 27-win campaign in 2022-23 – he could see his first opportunity at a big name school with the Razorbacks. 

Darian DeVries, Drake head coach

Speaking of mid-major coaches who have made a name for themselves, DeVries’ worst year at Drake was still a 20-win campaign during the COVID shortened season of 2019-20. The Bulldogs have won at least 25 games each of the past four seasons, making three trips to the NCAA Tournament in that space. What’s even more impressive is that DeVries has never missed the postseason at Drake, playing in at least one postseason tournament every year, no small feat for a mid-major school such as Drake. Along with three trips to the NCAA Tournament, DeVries took Drake to the CIT in his first season and the CBI in 2021-22, proving he knows how to guide a team through the dog days of the season. While his resume is devoid of an NCAA Tournament win thus far, Arkansas would give him the best shot he’s had so far for March success.