Arkansas is turning to a coach with nearly two decades of NFL experience to help steady its defense. Longtime pro assistant Jay Hayes is set to join the Razorbacks as defensive line coach, according to On3’s Chris Low.
Hayes spent 1999–2018 in the league, including a 13-year run with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he coached stars like five-time All-Pro defensive tackle Geno Atkins and two-time Pro Bowler Carlos Dunlap. He also worked with the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League in 2020 and had college stops at Wisconsin, Cal, and Notre Dame back in the ’90s.
The hire comes after interim head coach Bobby Petrino wasted no time shaking up the defensive staff. On his first full day in charge, Monday, Petrino fired defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson, and line coach Deke Adams. By Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference, he hinted that a new staff addition was close.
Bobby Petrino is hiring NFL veteran assistant Jay Hayes as Arkansas' defensive line coach.
— Michael Main (@MichaelMain__) October 3, 2025
Hayes spent nearly 20 years with the Buccaneers and Bengals, but has been out of coaching since 2020 and hasn't been at the college level since 1998. pic.twitter.com/VfXesTHeJo
“I’m working hard on it. Moving, working on it now for a couple days," said Petrino. "I think I got the guy that I want, but I haven’t had the stamp, okay, move ahead, let’s go yet. But working hard on it.”
Hayes will now work under recently promoted defensive coordinator Chris Wilson, who also brings pro experience. He called plays during his time leading the Houston Roughnecks’ defense in 2023–24. He also helped the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LII in 2018 as the defensive line coach.
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