Arkansas to re-hire former defensive backs coach, per report
Arkansas is set to bring back defensive backs coach Deron Wilson to be part of Ryan Silverfield’s staff in 2026, according to a report from Matt Zenitz.
Wilson coached the secondary at Arkansas for two seasons in 2022 and 2023. He left his post to go to Florida, where he was a quality control analyst for cornerbacks in 2024 and was the defensive backs coach in 2025.
In 2023, the Razorbacks ranked fourth in the SEC in passing yards allowed per game with 202.8 yards, the program’s best effort since 2011. Arkansas’ 12 interceptions ranked third in the league and the team’s four pick-sixes matched five other teams to lead all of FBS that season.
Wilson coached at Florida under now-Arkansas defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. The Gators were 10th in the SEC in passing defense and gave up an average of 222.9 yards per game through the air. They were tied with Alabama and Tennessee for seventh in the SEC in interceptions with 10 through 12 games.
Reported hires thus far for Arkansas include:
OC – Tim Cramsey
RB – David Johnson
WR – Larry Smith
OL – Jeff Myers and Marcus Johnson
DC/ILB – Ron Roberts
Safeties – CJ Wilford
Defensive backs — Deron Wilson
Special Teams – Chad Lunsford
Strength and Conditioning – Noah Franklin
Football General Manager – Scott Gasper
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