Razorback head football coach Sam Pittman and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles discuss a fourth down call in the red zone against Cincinnati at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. Photo by Craven Whitlow.

By Otis Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE -- Mississippi State head coach Zach Arnett has his eye on Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.

Briles, one of the three remaining members of Sam Pittman's first staff at Arkansas, is set to make $1.25 million in 2023 with the Hogs and $1.3 in 2024. Pittman has already lost three assistants this offseason, but all left for promotions which wouldn't be the case with Briles.

Barry Odom left as defensive coordinator to become head coach at UNLV. He hired Michael Scherer, who coached linebackers at Arkansas, to become his defensive coordinator. Dowell Loggains went from coaching the tight ends at Arkansas to offensive coordinator for South Carolina.

Briles was at four different schools serving as offensive coordinator prior to arriving at Arkansas as a member of Pittman’s first staff. Baylor, Houston, Florida Atlantic and Florida State were Briles’ last four jobs before coming to Arkansas.

The Razorbacks had 6,128 yards of total offense this season. That is second highest in school history behind only Bobby Petrino’s 2010 offense. Arkansas rushed for 3,077 yards and passed for 3.051 yards this season. The 681 yards of total offense in the 55-53 three-overtime win over Kansas in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl set a school postseason record.

Arnett served as defensive coordinator at Mississippi State under Mike Leach. He was promoted to head coach after Leach’s unexpected death last month.