The Arkansas Razorbacks have reportedly found their official replacement for Sam Pittman, and no, it isn't Bobby Petrino, but it also isn't who everybody expected: USF's Alex Golesh.
It was just a few days ago that all signs were pointing to Golesh signing with the Hogs, especially after it became readily apparent that Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin wasn't even looking in Arkansas's direction.
Now, after the Razorbacks seemingly fumbled the ball (once again) during a chaotic coaching carousel, it looks like Arkansas has finally found its guy, and it's Ryan Silverfield.
Ryan Silverfield beats the Hogs then takes over
Yes, you read that correctly, the Memphis Tigers head coach, who led his team to a win over Arkansas just a few weeks ago, is reportedly the newest head coach of the Razorbacks.
On3's Brett McMurphy broke the news on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 30, just a day after the LSU Tigers had reportedly cemented Kiffin as their next-man-up and the Auburn Tigers had supposedly stolen Golesh out from directly under the Hogs' noses.
BREAKING: Memphis' Ryan Silverfield is expected to be named Arkansas' next head coach, @Brett_McMurphy reports🐗https://t.co/rcNE7S3byK pic.twitter.com/62UoGANdH7
— On3 (@On3sports) November 30, 2025
While fans weren't in love with the reported hire, it felt like the Razorbacks were quickly running out of time to find anyone who was qualified enough to become the head coach of an SEC program. Silverfield was simply one of the best options left, if not the best guy remaining for the job.
Alex Silverfield coaching resume
26 years ago, Silverfield started his coaching career as an assistant at Boles School (a private, college prep academy in Florida). Over the last two and a half decades, he has slowly but surely climbed up the coaching ranks.
In 2020, he earned his first chance as a head coach, taking over the Memphis program after the Tigers lost Mike Norvell to the Florida State Seminoles at the end of the 2019 season.
Over the last six seasons (plus the Tigers' bowl-game loss in 2019), Silverfield led Memphis to a 50-25 overall record, including four postseason wins and a top-25 finish in last season's final Coaches and AP Top 25 Polls.
No, Silverfield might not be the hire that everyone dreamed about for Arkansas, but his success rate over the last few years has been undeniable, and he may just be the head coach that the Razorbacks need after Pittman's era finally came to an end.