The vacancy on the Arkansas coaching staff for defensive coordinator has yet to be filled, and it could be at least another week before Bret Bielema plugs in a new coach for the position.
According to CoavchingSearch.com, Bielema may hold off on making a decision on his new defensive coordinator until after National Signing Day. National Signing Day is Wednesday, February 5. The timing of the decision seems somewhat puzzling considering signing day is creeping up quickly. Having a defensive coordinator in place to avoid any questions about coaching stability could end up harming Arkansas in a recruiting battle or two. Recruits often prefer to have a relationship with their coaches, or at the very least know who will be coaching them at their college choice.
Arkansas defensive coordinator Chris Ash accepted a position on Urban Meyer’s coaching staff at Ohio State earlier this month. Ash made the move back to the Big Ten to serve as a co-defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes, and he will also coach the defensive backs. He had been a part of Bielema’s staff dating back to Wisconsin.