Oklahoma State makes a hire that strengthens Kane Wommack to Arkansas chatter

Kane Wommack's work as Alabama's defensive coordinator has made him a significant name of interest in this year's coaching carousel. When Wommack departed his job as South Alabama's head coach to join Kalen DeBoer's staff in Tuscaloosa, it was believed that it would be a short-term partnership that would ultimately lead to Wommack landing a Power Four head coaching job.

That time could be now.

Wommack was reported to be one of the four leading candidates for the Arkansas job over the weekend by ESPN's Pete Thamel. One of the three other candidates just got scooped up by another Power Four program.

Many believed North Texas head coach Eric Morris was at the top of the Razorbacks' wish list. He's now off the market. Oklahoma State has reportedly finalized a deal to land Morris:

With Morris off the market, Wommack may only be in competition now with USF's Alex Golesh and Memphis' Ryan Silverfield.

Kalen DeBoer's ability to hang on to Kane Wommack just got more difficult

Wommack has drawn the ire of the Crimson Tide fanbase over his two seasons as the Alabama head coach, but most have accepted by now that he's done a terrific job coaching Alabama's defense. After allowing only 34 total yards against Eastern Illinois last weekend, Wommack's unit is now No. 1 in the SEC in total defense.

He's an impressive defensive mind, and he has shown the ability to develop young players. That's perhaps his greatest strength, and one that makes him even more attractive for programs looking to rebuild quickly.

For Arkansas, the Hogs have been one of the worst defensive teams in the SEC the last two seasons. Hiring a defensive-minded coach who can instill a different culture is appealing for the shot callers in Fayetteville. His ties to the program only help matters.

Wommack played two seasons of college football at Arkansas before transferring and finishing his playing career at Southern Miss. His Dad, Dave, spent two different stints on the Arkansas staff from 1979-1982 and again from 2001-2004.

Wommack attended and graduated from high school in Fayetteville.

Kalen DeBoer could be in the market for new coordinators on both sides of the ball this offseason. Along with Wommack being a serious candidate for the Arkansas job, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is expected to generate interest at places like Cal and UCLA, along with the potential for the Washington job to open up again if Jedd Fisch seeks out another job like many expect.