![Florida Gators executive head coach Ron Roberts looks on during spring football practice at Heavener Football Complex at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, March 6, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_4321,h_2430/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/218/01kc4wdm828dfctp0zbq.jpg "Florida Gators executive head coach Ron Roberts looks on during spring football practice at Heavener Football Complex at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, March 6, 2025. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]")
Arkansas is closing in on reuniting with a familiar figure as new head coach Ryan Silverfield continues assembling his staff in Fayetteville. According to a report from CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, the Razorbacks are targeting Deron Wilson to return as their secondary coach, a move that would restore a proven voice to a defense looking to regain its footing.
Arkansas is expected to hire Deron Wilson as a secondary coach, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 10, 2025
Set to be a return to Fayetteville for Wilson, who was secondary coach for two seasons under Sam Pittman before spending last year as defensive backs coach at Florida. pic.twitter.com/ycxgFBsEDC
A Return to a Successful First Impression
Wilson previously served as Arkansas’ defensive backs coach during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, making a strong early impact in year one. Under his guidance, the Razorbacks rose dramatically from last in the SEC in pass defense to fourth in 2023, allowing just 203 passing yards per game, one of the most surprising defensive turnarounds in the conference.
However, the unit regressed backwards rather quickly in 2024, slipping to last in the SEC after surrendering 247 passing yards per game. Despite the step backward, Wilson remained highly regarded within coaching circles for his organization, structure, and ability to develop players.
Built-In Continuity With Ron Roberts
A reunion with Arkansas may be especially seamless thanks to Wilson’s connection with new Razorbacks defensive coordinator Ron Roberts. Both coached together at Florida last season, where Wilson served as DBs coach following his departure from Fayetteville after the 2024 campaign.
That familiarity, paired with Wilson’s previous two-year stint at Arkansas, creates an ideal blend of continuity and experience as Silverfield reshapes the Hogs’ defensive identity.
The Right Fit at the Right Time
For a program looking to stabilize its pass defense, returning to a trusted name makes sense. Wilson showed in his first Arkansas season that he can elevate the secondary to a competitive SEC standard. With the defense looking historically bad in all facets of the game in 2025, going back to a coach who has proven he can fix the problem could be exactly what Silverfield needs.
Bringing in a coach who already understands the landscape, the expectations, and the personnel tendencies in Fayetteville offers a smoother transition than starting from scratch, a valuable asset as Arkansas attempts to rebuild quickly under its new staff.
If finalized, Wilson’s return would mark a strategic move rooted in familiarity, chemistry, and previous success, all key components as Arkansas looks to restore strength and stability back to its defense that is desperate need of a resurgence in 2026.