Arkansas is finalizing negotiations to hire South Florida’s Alex Golesh as its next head coach, multiple media outlets reported on Wednesday.

Golesh, 41, would return to the Southeastern Conference after serving as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator and tight ends coach in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

The Razorbacks are looking to replace Sam Pittman, who was fired on Sept. 28 — one day after the team dropped a 56-13 decision at home to Notre Dame. Bobby Petrino has served as the interim head coach since Pittman’s departure.

While USF and Arkansas have yet to confirm the reports, Petrino took to social media to issue a “thank you” note.

Golesh sports an 8-3 record this season and 22-15 mark overall during his three campaigns at USF. He has guided the Bulls to bowl wins in each of his previous two seasons.

Prior to his arrival in South Florida, the Bulls limped to a 1-11 record in 2022.

–Field Level Media