Arkansas Razorbacks Finalize Silverfield’s Key Coaching Staff With Memphis Trio

The University of Arkansas has officially announced three new football assistant coaches. Head coach Ryan Silverfield confirmed the hires on Wednesday. The moves bring familiar faces from his previous stint at Memphis to Fayetteville. This marks a significant step in rebuilding the Razorbacks’ staff for the upcoming season.

The appointments had been widely reported in recent weeks. Their official confirmation provides clarity for the program and its fans. Arkansas is seeking stability and a return to competitiveness in the SEC.

Official Hires Fill Critical Program Needs

The three coaches are Noah Franklin, Jeff Myers, and Larry Smith. Franklin is named the director of strength and conditioning. He spent eight seasons at Memphis, six leading their athletic performance program.

His NFL experience with the Oakland Raiders adds a professional edge. Arkansas’s physical development has been a noted concern. Franklin’s hiring directly targets that need.

Jeff Myers will coach the offensive line and serve as run game coordinator. He held the same roles at Memphis for the past three seasons. His task is to rebuild an offensive front that has struggled with consistency and health.

Larry Smith takes over the wide receivers room. He coached the position at Memphis since 2022. Smith helped develop multiple all-conference performers there, a track record Arkansas hopes he can repeat.

Continuity and Trust Define Silverfield’s Strategy

This hiring strategy highlights Silverfield’s preference for trusted collaborators. All three assistants have a proven working relationship with the head coach. This should accelerate installation of systems and establish a cohesive culture.

According to reports from ESPN and The Athletic, continuity was a priority. For a program in transition, reducing the learning curve for coaches is a logical move. The staff can focus entirely on player development from day one.

The impact on the roster should be immediate, especially in strength training. Franklin’s philosophy centers on building durable, confident athletes. Myers will instill fundamental techniques for an offensive line in need of an identity.

Smith’s challenge is to elevate a talented but inconsistent receiving corps. His experience in Silverfield’s intended offensive system is a key advantage. These hires form a foundational core for Silverfield’s first Arkansas staff.

The finalized Arkansas Razorbacks coaching staff now has a clear Memphis-inspired blueprint. The success of this reunion tour will be measured on the field this fall.

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Who are the three coaches Arkansas just hired?

The Razorbacks officially hired Noah Franklin for strength and conditioning, Jeff Myers for offensive line and run game, and Larry Smith for wide receivers. All three previously worked with head coach Ryan Silverfield at the University of Memphis.

Why did Arkansas hire so many coaches from Memphis?

Head coach Ryan Silverfield is prioritizing continuity and trust as he rebuilds the program. Hiring assistants he has previously worked with allows for faster installation of his systems and establishes a familiar, cohesive culture from the start.

What is the biggest need these hires address?

Noah Franklin’s role is critically important. Arkansas has lacked physical dominance and durability. A strong strength program is the foundation for improvement across all position groups, especially in the demanding SEC.

How will Jeff Myers help the offensive line?

Myers is tasked with teaching fundamentals and building cohesion on a unit that has struggled. His experience as a run game coordinator should help establish a clearer, more effective identity for the Razorbacks’ ground attack.

What can fans expect from Larry Smith’s receivers?

Smith has a history of developing productive pass-catchers. Fans can expect an emphasis on route discipline and consistent execution. The goal is to turn athletic potential into reliable production on game day.

Is the Razorbacks’ coaching staff now complete?

Not yet. While these three key positions are now filled, Arkansas still has other on-field assistant roles to finalize. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks as Silverfield rounds out his first staff.