Hogs of the Round Table: PJ Fleck

Welcome to another edition of Hogs of the Round Table. You can check out part one here, part two here, and part three here.

PJ Fleck has the boat rowing at Minnesota, and has recently signed a massive extension. Do you think we’ve even got a shot at hiring him? Historically Arkansas is a better job than Minnesota, but recent years beg the question, is it anymore? Does that matter?

Adam: I’d say no chance of Fleck. Minnesota isn’t a better job than Arkansas over the long-term, but it is right now. Fleck also just got a big extension. I guess you could try, but I’d say the chances of hiring him are about zero.

Saul: I think it’s worth trying. I understand the implications of his extension, but shoot for the moon. What do you have to lose? Worse thing that happens is he says no. I still think Arkansas is the better job. SEC always pulls. The ability to try and come win in the SEC is a big deal.

Tucker: Fortune favors the bold. I don’t see a universe where this happens, but the fact that his name has come up a few times is interesting, and money talks. Despite the concerns after the two disastrous buyouts, I think we’ve got plenty of financial muscle, and the opportunity to be in the SEC seems to matter to some folks. If I was Hunter Yurachek, I’d make him say no (I think he would), even if it cost paying 10 million a year.

What would you like about this hire?

Adam: He’s probably the best up-and-coming coach in the country, period. He runs a great offense and his teams are simply solid all-around. He would be a grand slam of a hire.

Saul: I’ll shoot you straight, readers. This guy is my #1 choice for Arkansas Head Coach. I’m super high on him and I like everything about him. I want to row the freakin’ boat, baby. He took an abysmal Western Michigan team to the COTTON BOWL after going 13-0. He’s got the Golden Gophers at 9-1 and #11 in the country. The strong running game build around RPOs could really flex our athlete’s abilities. He wins everywhere he goes. Plus, it seems that at every program he’s been to his players love him.

Tucker: Everything. PJ Fleck is as entertaining a person as he is a tactician, and he’s had success in some B A D places. Western Michigan was good under him, for God’s sake. I would love everything about this hire, and would be the first person in line for the first game.

What would give you reservations about this hire?

Adam: Nothing.

Saul: No really strong ties to Arkansas or the region which gives me slight pause in regards to recruiting.

Tucker: Nothing. My reservations are about our ability to pull it off.

Would you personally be happy with this hire?

Adam: 100%.

Saul: That’s a big 10-4

Tucker: Sure would!

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