Squint Chad Morris: The Rise and Fall of a College Football Phenom

Who is Squint Chad Morris?

Chad Morris, affectionately known as "Squint" due to his trademark squinting facial expression, is a former college football coach best known for his tenure as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2017 to 2019. Before Arkansas, Morris served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Clemson University, helping the Tigers win the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Squint

by Chad Morris

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	999 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Early Career and Success at Clemson

Morris began his coaching career in 2000 as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University. He quickly climbed the ranks, holding assistant coaching positions at Tulsa, Auburn, and SMU before landing at Clemson in 2011. Under head coach Dabo Swinney, Morris's innovative offensive schemes transformed Clemson into a national powerhouse. The Tigers' offense ranked among the top in the country, led by quarterback Deshaun Watson, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2015.

Head Coaching Tenure at Arkansas

In December 2017, Morris accepted the head coaching position at the University of Arkansas. The Razorbacks had struggled in recent years, posting a 4-8 record in 2017. Morris inherited a depleted roster and a fan base desperate for success.

In his first season, Morris led Arkansas to a modest 2-10 record. However, the team showed signs of improvement, notably in the passing game. Quarterback Cole Kelley broke several school records and led the SEC in passing yards per game.

The 2019 season proved more challenging for Morris. The Razorbacks stumbled to a 2-10 record again, with several embarrassing losses. Fans and media alike began to question Morris's leadership and game management.

Challenges and Off-Field Issues

Squint Chad Morris's tenure at Arkansas was not without its challenges. Off-field incidents, including player arrests and NCAA investigations, plagued his program. Additionally, his relationship with the university administration became strained over financial and staffing issues.

Morris's sideline demeanor also drew criticism. His constant squinting and nervous body language became a source of ridicule and speculation. Some critics suggested that Morris's squinting was a sign of indecisiveness or lack of focus, while others claimed it was simply a quirk.

Firing and Dismissal

As the 2019 season progressed, the pressure on Morris mounted. Fans and boosters demanded his resignation, and the university administration began considering his dismissal.

On November 10, 2019, Morris was fired after the Razorbacks' 45-19 loss to Western Kentucky. The decision came just eight games into the season, making Morris the shortest-tenured head coach in Arkansas football history.

Post-Arkansas Career and Legacy

After his firing from Arkansas, Morris took a year off from coaching. In 2021, he returned to the field as the offensive coordinator at Auburn University under head coach Bryan Harsin. However, his stint at Auburn was short-lived, as he was fired along with Harsin after the 2022 season.

Squint Chad Morris's legacy as a coach remains mixed. He is credited with developing some of the most talented quarterbacks of the past decade, including Deshaun Watson and Cole Kelley. However, his head coaching tenure at Arkansas was ultimately unsuccessful, marked by off-field issues and a lack of on-field results.

Squint

by Chad Morris

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	999 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE