FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas interim coach Reggie Herring disputed a Dallas Morning
News report Monday that cited an anonymous source as saying Herring had agreed to be the next defensive coordinator at Texas A&M.

Herring did not rule out the possibility he could be hired by Texas A&M Coach Mike Sherman, but he told the Democrat-Gazette it has not happened. “I have not accepted a job anywhere, nor will I until after the bowl game and I’ve looked at all my options,” said Herring, who is overseeing Arkansas ’ preparations for its New Year’s Day game against No. 6 Missouri in Dallas.

“I’m talking to A&M and several other schools. I would also like to sit down with [incoming Arkansas Athletic Director ] Jeff Long and Coach [Bobby ] Petrino after the bowl game to discuss my situation at Arkansas. Nothing has been decided.

“ It is baffling and embarrassing to my family, to Texas A&M University and to our players for this report to come out.... My total focus has and will be on coaching the Razorbacks in the Jan. 1 Cotton Bowl.”

Herring, 48, has been the Razorbacks’ defensive coordinator for three seasons. He was named Arkansas’ interim head coach Nov. 26 following Houston Nutt’s departure.

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Herring, a former three-year starting linebacker at Florida State who reached a three-year agreement worth $ 350, 000 per year at Arkansas before the 2007 season, has twice worked in the Lone Star State, as TCU’s defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 1992-93 and as linebackers coach for the Houston Texans in 2002-03.

Arkansas ranks in the bottom half of the SEC this season in total defense, run defense and scoring defense, but is No. 2 in the conference and No. 5 nationally in pass efficiency defense.

The Aggies are looking for help with a defensive unit that ranked 84 th nationally in total defense and gave up 26. 1 points per game this season.

“The bottom line is I haven’t taken any [job ],” Herring said. “I haven’t signed anything. I’m focused on this bowl game. And I’d still like an opportunity to meet with Coach Petrino and Jeff Long. End of quote.”