Arkansas hires Enos as offensive coordinator

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas has hired Central Michigan head coach Dan Enos as its offensive coordinator.

Enos, 46, has spent the last five years at Central Michigan, where he had a record of 26-36. He was previously an assistant coach for Mark Dantonio at his alma mater Michigan State and Cincinnati.

“We are thrilled to have Coach Enos joining us in Fayetteville,” Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema said in a statement. “Dan is a great fit for our program. He runs a pro-style offense and brings expertise at the quarterback position as both a player and coach.

"We played against each other in college and he was a very intelligent and talented quarterback who showed great toughness and leadership. He has an outstanding reputation and will be a tremendous asset for Razorback football.”

Enos replaces Jim Chaney as the Razorbacks' offensive coordinator. Chaney resigned last week to accept the offensive coordinator position at Pittsburgh.

Like Chaney, Enos will make $550,000 per year at Arkansas. He is under contract through June 2018 and signed a no-compete clause that prohibits him from taking any other non-head coach position in the SEC.

Enos would owe the University of Arkansas $350,000 if he voluntarily terminates his contract.

He was guaranteed $360,000 per year at Central Michigan, where he was under contract through December 2016.

“I want to thank Bret for this wonderful opportunity to be part of something special at the University of Arkansas,” Enos said in a statement. “The challenge of winning a championship in the SEC and developing young men at the highest level of college football is very attractive. Bret and I share many of the same philosophies and I’m excited to open the next chapter of my coaching career down in Fayetteville.”

Central Michigan ranked 67th nationally in total offense in 2014, averaging 398.1 yards per game. The Chippewas, a member of the Mid-American Conference, finished the season with a 7-6 record, losing to Western Kentucky in the Bahamas Bowl.

After consecutive 3-9 seasons in his first two years, Enos' teams at Central Michigan won and lost at least six games in each of his final three seasons. The Chippewas twice played in a bowl game.

Enos, who played quarterback in college, will be expected to improve an Arkansas passing game that has struggled the last two seasons. Central Michigan sophomore quarterback Cooper Rush passed for 3,157 yards and 27 touchdowns last season.

Under Enos, Central Michigan's best statistical finish in the MAC was fifth in total offense in 2011 and sixth in scoring offense in 2010.

Enos coached offensive lineman Eric Fisher for three seasons as Central Michigan. Fisher was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Read Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.