To say Arkansas wasn’t wasting anytime firing Bret Bielema in the wake of the Razarback’s 48-45 loss to Missouri tonight is an understatement.
That’s because the University fired their head coach before he could even leave the field.
This coming in the wake of Arkansas squandering a two touchdown lead as the Tigers nailed a 19-yard game winning field goal to perhaps seal Bielema’s fate.
Here’s the statement from Arkansas on the firing:
“Shortly after the completion of today’s game, I met with Coach Bret Bielema and informed him of our decision to move forward with new leadership in the Razorback Football program,” [Interim Athletics Director Julie] Cromer Peoples said. “During the course of the past five seasons, we have not been able to sustain the success on the field that is expected and required at the University of Arkansas. There is no question that Coach Bielema has been a valued and respected member of our department and has made a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes, including supporting them in their pursuit of graduation. We are grateful for his contributions to our program and most importantly his investment in the lives of our student-athletes. We wish him the very best both personally and professionally.
“Our goal has been and will always be to compete and win in the SEC and nationally. I firmly believe that with all that the University of Arkansas has to offer, including our history and tradition, our facilities, our passionate fan base and competing in the nation’s best conference, we will attract the interest of many of the top coaches in the nation.”
Meanwhile Bielema seemed surprising at the decision. However the shock could have more so to do with the timing rather than the ultimate outcome considering the Razorbacks finished 4-8 on the season and have hardly been competitive in the Bielema era.
Bret Bielema “I was informed coming off the field that I am no longer to coach of Arkansas. Never had this happen to me in my life so this is new for me.” pic.twitter.com/QMJjyDuyDL
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) November 24, 2017
Since coming over from Wisconsin in 2013 where he helped the Badgers to three-straight Rose Bowls, Bielema finished his time at Arkansas with a 29-34 record while the Razorbacks became an afterthought in the SEC.
h/t: Deadspin
