A New Era for Arkansas Football: Hunter Yurachek Names Ryan Silverfield Head Coach

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas is buzzing with anticipation as Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Hunter Yurachek, officially announced Ryan Silverfield as the 35th head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks. This pivotal move signals a clear intent to elevate the program to the pinnacle of college football, with sights set firmly on the College Football Playoff and a national championship.

Silverfield arrives in Fayetteville following a remarkably successful tenure at Memphis, where he established himself as one of the nation’s most consistent winners. Since taking the reins in December 2019, his Memphis Tigers posted an impressive 50-25 record, including back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2023 and 2024, and securing bowl eligibility in every single year of his leadership.

Hunter Yurachek’s Vision: A Path to Championship Glory

The appointment of Silverfield underscores a strategic commitment by Hunter Yurachek and the Arkansas Razorbacks to invest significantly in the football program’s future. Yurachek emphasized the shared ambition that became evident during the extensive coaching search.

“It became clear during our conversations that Coach Silverfield shares our vision of making the College Football Playoffs and competing for a national championship,” said Hunter Yurachek. “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 made him the right choice to be our next head football coach.”

Yurachek highlighted Silverfield’s consistent winning record at Memphis and his deep understanding of the region as key factors in his selection. His ability to build and maintain a thriving program is seen as the perfect foundation for the Razorbacks moving forward. The Arkansas community eagerly awaits to welcome Coach Silverfield, his wife Katie, and their daughters Adeline and Celicia.

Ryan Silverfield: A Proven Winner’s Impressive Resume

Silverfield’s track record at Memphis is nothing short of exceptional. His teams consistently featured an explosive offense, ranking 19th in FBS for scoring (34.6 PPG) in 2025, marking four consecutive seasons inside the Top 25. All six of his Memphis squads averaged over 30 points per game, a testament to his offensive prowess. They joined elite company as one of only five schools nationally to rank in the Top 20 in scoring for three straight seasons.

Beyond offense, Silverfield also demonstrated a commitment to a balanced attack:

• Defensive Improvement: The Tigers’ defense showed steady growth, allowing just 22.5 points per game in 2025 – their best under Silverfield and third-best in the American Conference.
• Turnover Margin: Memphis ranked an impressive 13th in FBS in turnover margin at plus-9, highlighting a disciplined and opportunistic defense.
• Historic Seasons: The 2024 season saw Memphis achieve back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in program history, culminating in an 11-2 record and a Frisco Bowl win. They finished ranked No. 23 in the Coaches Poll and No. 24 in the AP Poll – their first Top 25 finish since 2019.
• Coaching Accolades: Silverfield earned Tennessee Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year honors twice, making him the first Memphis head coach to do so.

His coaching journey includes over 18 years of experience across high school, college, and even the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. He served in various capacities, from offensive line coach to run game coordinator, before ultimately leading the Memphis Tigers as head coach.

The Road Ahead for the Razorbacks

The arrival of Ryan Silverfield, championed by Hunter Yurachek’s forward-thinking leadership, signals a new chapter for the Arkansas Razorbacks. With a significant financial commitment and a coach known for sustained success, the program is poised to make a formidable push for national recognition. The Hogs’ faithful can look forward to an exciting future, as their team sets its sights on competing with the nation’s elite.