The Arkansas Razorbacks moved quickly to fill a key vacancy on their offensive staff after losing quarterbacks coach Clint Trickett to Maryland Terrapins, where he accepted the offensive coordinator position.
Rather than conduct a lengthy national search, head coach Ryan Silverfield went back to familiar ground.
According to a report from CBS Sports, Arkansas is hiring Mitch Stewart as its new quarterbacks coach. Stewart arrives from Memphis Tigers, reuniting with Silverfield and bringing valuable continuity to Fayetteville.
Mitch Stewart Brings Built-In Trust With Ryan Silverfield
Trickett originally joined Silverfield’s first Arkansas staff in December, but his departure created an unexpected opening late in the cycle. Silverfield’s response was decisive, tapping a coach he knows well and trusts.
Stewart worked alongside Silverfield at Memphis from 2024–25. He began as a senior offensive analyst before being promoted to quarterbacks coach prior to the 2025 season. The results were tangible. With Stewart on staff, Memphis finished first in scoring offense within the American Conference in 2024 and fifth in 2025, underscoring the unit’s consistency and production.
Experience and Continuity
Stewart’s résumé extends beyond position coaching. He served as head coach at Murray State Racers from 2015–2019, giving him leadership experience that adds another layer of value to the Razorbacks’ staff. His steady climb through the coaching ranks reflects both adaptability and offensive acumen.
The continuity element is especially important. Arkansas offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey, himself a former Memphis OC, has previously worked with Stewart. That shared background should ease the transition and help maintain cohesion within the offensive meeting rooms.
Stewart has also worked with former Memphis quarterback AJ Hill, one of the Tigers’ highest-rated recruits in recent cycles. That experience developing high-profile talent could prove valuable as Stewart begins building relationships within Arkansas’ quarterback room.
In 2023, Stewart served as the offensive coordinator and inside receivers coach at Middle Tennessee where he guided a unit that ranked 14th nationally in completion percentage, 25th in passing yards and 34th in passing offense.
Losing Trickett on short notice could have disrupted offseason development. Instead, Silverfield’s quick pivot ensures schematic consistency and minimizes learning curves for the quarterbacks.
In today’s college football landscape, staff stability is often as important as player retention. By going back to a trusted voice with direct ties to both Silverfield and Cramsey, Arkansas has positioned itself to maintain offensive momentum despite the sudden change. If his track record at Memphis is any indication, the Razorbacks may not miss a beat.