Ryan Silverfield sends first message to Arkansas fans after being hired as head coach

On Sunday, Arkansas officially named Ryan Silverfield its next head football coach. Silverfield was Memphis‘ head coach from 2020-25. Following the announcement, Silverfield didn’t wait long to introduce himself to Razorbacks fans.

“Razorback nation, this is your new head football coach, Ryan Silverfield,” he said in a video posted to Arkansas football’s official X account. “Can’t wait to get to Fayetteville and get started.

“We’re going to bring a lot of success to the Hogs that’s so well-deserved. Can’t wait to see you. Go hogs.”

Silverfield led Memphis to an 8-4 overall record this season, along with a 4-4 mark in conference play. For much of the season, Memphis was in contention for the College Football Playoff Group-of-Five slot.

However, the Tigers tumbled in the final stretch of the regular season, losing their final three games. In his six seasons at the helm of Memphis, Silverfield led the program to a 50-25 record and a 27-21 mark against conference opponents.

Silverfield will replace Sam Pittman, who had been Arkansas’ head coach since 2020. After Pittman was fired, former offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino served as Arkansas’ interim coach. Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek is thrilled to bring Ryan Silverfield to Fayetteville.

“It became clear during our conversations that Coach Silverfield shares our vision of making the College Football Playoffs and competing for a national championship,” Yurachek said. “With our new and significant financial investment in the football program, we are confident we now have the coach and resources to make that happen. Throughout the search process, Coach Silverfield’s proven ability to win games over a sustained period separated him from the pack and make him the right choice to be our next head football coach.

“His teams at Memphis have been consistent winners since he took over the program in 2019. The knowledge of our state and region he brings along with the ability to build and maintain a program will provide a great foundation for our program moving forward. We are excited to welcome his wife, Katie, and their two daughters, Adeline and Celicia, to Arkansas.”

Silverfield has a tall task ahead of him. Arkansas finished this season with a 2-10 record. The Razorbacks went winless in SEC play.

Arkansas hasn’t won 10 or more games in a single season since 2011. In his first head coaching role at a Power Four program, Silverfield will look to return the Razorbacks to prominence.