New Arkansas head coach Ryan Silverfield has wasted no time reshaping the Razorbacks’ coaching staff, securing two significant additions to lead the offensive line. Silverfield is bringing Memphis offensive line coach and running game coordinator Jeff Myers and Ohio State assistant offensive line coach Marcus Johnson to Fayetteville, giving Arkansas a fresh, experienced, and highly respected duo to rebuild the trenches.
The moves signal a clear shift in direction for Arkansas up front. While there had been speculation that current offensive line coach Eric Mateos might be retained, HawgSports confirmed that Arkansas will be moving in a different direction. With that decision made, Silverfield now turns to two coaches with diverse backgrounds, proven development track records, and deep ties to physical offensive football.
Jeff Myers: A Proven Developer From the Matt Campbell Coaching Tree
Before joining Memphis, Jeff Myers spent five seasons as the offensive line coach at Iowa State under Matt Campbell, one of the most respected program-builders in college football. Prior to that role, Myers worked one season in offensive quality control for the Cyclones and spent two seasons as a graduate assistant.
Iowa State under Campbell has long prided itself on tough, disciplined offensive line play and a run-first identity, and Myers was a key contributor to that identity during one of the most successful stretches in program history. His background reflects a coaching education built on physicality, technique, and consistency, traits Arkansas desperately needs after struggling in the trenches the past two seasons.
Myers spent a few years at Memphis as offensive line coach and running game coordinator under Silverfield. Bringing that continuity to Arkansas should help streamline the transition and ensure the Razorbacks’ offensive front quickly adopts Silverfield’s system.
Marcus Johnson: SEC Roots and NFL Pedigree
Joining Myers on the Arkansas staff is Marcus Johnson, who spent this past year as the assistant offensive line coach at Ohio State. Any staffer coming from Columbus arrives with instant credibility since the Buckeyes are consistently among the nation’s best programs, built on elite recruiting and physical football, especially in the rugged Big Ten trenches.
Johnson is no stranger to the SEC either. A former All-SEC offensive lineman at Ole Miss (2001–04), he went on to play five seasons in the NFL with Minnesota and Tampa Bay, appearing in 53 games with 18 starts, experience that brings valuable perspective to any offensive line room.
As a coach, he also spent time in the SEC. Johnson previously served as the offensive line coach and assistant head coach at Missouri (2020–2022) before joining Ryan Walters’ staff at Purdue in 2023. His SEC familiarity, strong recruiting reputation, and professional playing background will help make him an ideal fit for a conference where trench play determines success.
A Bold, Physical Identity Taking Shape
As Silverfield’s staff takes shape, he's sending a clear message: Arkansas plans to get tougher, more disciplined, and more physical up front. Adding a coach molded by the Matt Campbell system and another trained within one of the strongest offensive programs in the country gives the Razorbacks a fresh foundation.
For an Arkansas team seeking to regain its identity and stabilize an offense that has struggled with consistency and protection issues, these hires provide expertise, recruiting ability, and a renewed commitment to dominating the line of scrimmage.