Tulsa's Graham Nabs Ua Oc Malzahn

[mgsteve]

Arkansas' Malzahn headed to Tulsa; Mustain next?

After only one season at Arkansas, offensive coordinator Guz Malzahn will leave the program for Tulsa, sources said Monday.

Malzahn, who made a successful transition from Springdale (Ark.) High School to the Razorbacks, helping the team to a 10-4 record, will join Todd Graham's staff as co-offensive coordinator.

Former West Virginia tight ends coach Herb Hand will serve in the role of co-offensive coordinator.

Malzahn arrived at Arkansas with much fanfare, and brought with him freshman quarterback Mitch Mustain, considered by some the nation's top player, and three other Springdale players. Some speculated there was a connection between Malzahn's hiring and the commitments.

But one of those players, wide receiver Damian Williams, transferred to USC after this season, displeased that Malzahn's no-huddle, spread attack was never unveiled.

Several parents of the Springdale freshmen went to athletic director Frank Broyles to complain. Mustain's mother even put out a statement suggesting Nutt should have control of the program.

Now, there will be speculation about Mustain's future. The quarterback lost his starting position to Casey Dick at the end of the season. And Tulsa is only 1½ hours from the town of Springdale.

After a 10-1 start, Arkansas lost the last three games of its season, including a 17-14 defeat at the hands of Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl.

Graham has already named Herb Hand as the other co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for Tulsa.

Six members from Graham's staff at Rice will follow him to Tulsa. Assistants Dean Jackson, Danny Phillips, Jason Jones, Jess Loepp, Bo Graham and strength and conditioning coordinator Yancy McKnight will help coach the Golden Hurricanes. Jackson is the only offensive coach coming from the Owls' staff.

[El Paso Eagle]

That Tulsa staffs really going to be able to keep a straight face when they talk to their player about commitment and hanging in when things get tough

[GoMeanGreen1999]

That Tulsa staffs really going to be able to keep a straight face when they talk to their player about commitment and hanging in when things get tough

There were rumors all year that Nutt would not allow Gus to call the plays and be a "true" OC, but Nutt always denied there were any problems, so I guess it is all out in the light now. That Tulsa staff will probably not be at Tulsa 3 years as they have some guys there that can flat out coach.

Everything that has happened with the Graham and Rice is unfortunately happening everywhere in college football. I am not saying it is right - and I don't think Graham left the right way, but those Rice folks shouldn't be too shocked - they knew if Kraigthorpe left Tulsa, Graham was next in line.