Michael Scherer took about three weeks to make the decision.
The Arkansas linebacker coach is the 29-year-old former Mizo star linebacker who played and coached Barry Odom and is expected to take on a coordinating role at UNLV. First raised by FOX Sports and The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, it was also confirmed by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on Sunday.
Scherrer was Arkansas’ defensive play caller in the Liberty Bowl and tackled the game from the sidelines. His 55–53 triple against the Jayhawks was an up-and-down performance as the Razorbacks allowed his 544 passing yards and 603 total yards in his overtime win. Hoggs also made three takeaways and his three sacks, with 42 sacks in a year he set a school record for one season.
Scherrer was in his second season as Arkansas’ linebackers coach after being promoted from defensive analyst prior to the 2020 season.
Scherrer and Arkansas linebackers Grant Morgan and Bumper Poole took center stage in recent seasons. Scherer’s linebacker has driven 84 fewer yards defensive improvement in 2021 than he did in 2020, and 39 fewer yards per game rushing.
Scherrer played linebacker for Mizo from 2012 to 2016, appearing in 38 games over a four-year career, recording 266 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception.