The Arkansas Razorbacks have officially hired Ryan Silverfield from the Memphis Tigers as their new head coach following a disappointing season that concluded with a 2-10 record. The announcement was made on Sunday, marking a significant transition for the program, which struggled throughout the year, particularly in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play, where they finished with an 0-8 record.
Athletic director Hunter Yurachek emphasized that Silverfield’s proven track record of success made him the ideal choice for Arkansas. Over six seasons at Memphis, Silverfield achieved an impressive overall record of 50-25. His tenure peaked in the 2023 season, where he led the Tigers to a 10-3 record and secured a ranking as high as No. 22 during the season. Memphis concluded the year with an 8-4 record.
Silverfield’s accomplishments include a perfect record in bowl games, going 4-0 in postseason contests, excluding the Cotton Bowl in December 2019, which he coached after the departure of Mike Norvell to Florida State. His ability to sustain success was a crucial factor in his selection by the Razorbacks.
The transition comes after a tumultuous period for Arkansas. The team capped their season with a 31-17 loss at home against Missouri, marking the third time since 2018 that they have failed to secure a victory against SEC opponents. Former Razorbacks head coach Bobby Petrino, who took over as interim coach following the firing of Sam Pittman on September 28, did not manage to register a win during his brief tenure.
In light of Silverfield’s departure, Memphis athletic director Ed Scott expressed gratitude for Silverfield’s contributions to the program and wished him success in his new role. The Tigers have named Reggie Howard as interim coach while they embark on a national search for Silverfield’s successor.
As Arkansas aims to rebuild and regain its competitive edge, the hiring of Ryan Silverfield signals a new chapter in the Razorbacks’ football program. The focus will now shift to how he can restore the team’s fortunes in the challenging landscape of college football.
