Cincinnati Bearcats CB Coach Eddie Hicks Exits for SEC Role with Arkansas Razorbacks

The Cincinnati Bearcats are searching for a new cornerbacks coach. Coach Eddie Hicks is leaving the program after one season. He is taking the same position with the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Southeastern Conference. This news was first reported by college football insider Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.

The move creates a key vacancy on Head Coach Scott Satterfield’s defensive staff. It comes as the team prepares for its upcoming bowl game. The coaching carousel is spinning quickly this offseason.

Hicks’s Tenure Marked by Defensive Struggles in Secondary

Eddie Hicks joined the Cincinnati staff in January 2025. He replaced veteran coach Kerry Coombs. His lone season saw the Bearcats’ secondary face significant challenges.

The team allowed 7.4 yards per passing attempt last season. That ranked 80th in the nation. Opponents completed a staggering 67.1% of their passes against Cincinnati’s defense.

That completion rate ranked 127th nationally. The cornerback room bears a large share of responsibility for those numbers. Hicks arrived with a strong recent background at a major program.

Before Cincinnati, he spent two years at LSU. He served as the lead defensive analyst for the Tigers. His departure continues a period of staff turnover for the Bearcats football program.

Bearcats Move Quickly to Fill Staff Vacancies Ahead of Key Period

The university has already made other front-office hires recently. A new director of player personnel is in place. An assistant general manager role has also been filled quietly.

Coach Satterfield indicated the cornerback job will be filled promptly. The transfer portal window makes timing crucial. “We all know it’s go time right now,” Satterfield stated.

He confirmed the process to find replacements is already underway. The goal is to have new personnel in place within weeks. This allows the staff to properly navigate the current recruiting and transfer cycle.

Cincinnati continues its preparations for the Liberty Bowl on January 2nd. The game is a final showcase for the 2024 season. Off-field roster and staff building for 2025 is now in full swing.

The departure of Eddie Hicks to Arkansas opens a critical spot on the Bearcats’ coaching staff. Cincinnati must now find a coach who can shore up a struggling pass defense. This hire will be pivotal for the team’s Big 12 aspirations next season.

Info at your fingertips

Who reported the news about Eddie Hicks leaving?

The news was first reported by Matt Zenitz, a national college football reporter for 247Sports. Zenitz is a trusted source for coaching movement and roster updates across the country.

How did Cincinnati’s pass defense perform last season?

The defense struggled, ranking 80th in yards allowed per pass attempt. More glaringly, they ranked 127th nationally by allowing a 67.1% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks.

Where did Eddie Hicks work before coming to Cincinnati?

He worked for two seasons at Louisiana State University (LSU). His role there was lead defensive analyst, a key support position for the Tigers’ defensive coaching staff.

What did Coach Satterfield say about the staff vacancies?

He acknowledged the departures and wished the former staffers well. Satterfield emphasized that the process to hire replacements is active and urgent due to the critical recruiting calendar.

When is Cincinnati’s next football game?

The Bearcats are scheduled to play in the Liberty Bowl. That game is set for January 2nd, providing a final contest for the 2024 team.