Sports

Razorbacks Officially Hire New Head Coach

Published

9 months ago

November 30, 2025

Grant Merrill

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ryan Silverfield, one of the nation’s winningest coaches over the last three seasons, has been named the 35th head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Silverfield has been one of the most successful head coaches in the country since taking over the Memphis program in December 2019, going 50-25, including a pair of 10+ win seasons in 2023 and 2024, while earning bowl eligibility in all six years. With eight wins this season, Memphis has posted 29 victories over the last three seasons to be among the nation’s Top 15 programs in wins. His final Tigers team also extended the program’s streak to 12 straight bowl appearances – the longest streak among non-Power 4 programs in the nation.

“It became clear during our conversations that Coach Silverfield shares our vision of making the College Football Playoffs and competing for a national championship,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said. “With our new and significant financial investment in the football program, we are confident we now have the coach and resources to make that happen. Throughout the search process, Coach Silverfield’s proven ability to win games over a sustained period separated him from the pack and make him the right choice to be our next head football coach. His teams at Memphis have been consistent winners since he took over the program in 2019. The knowledge of our state and region he brings along with the ability to build and maintain a program will provide a great foundation for our program moving forward. We are excited to welcome his wife, Katie, and their two daughters, Adeline and Celicia, to Arkansas.”

The 2025 Tigers featured an explosive offense once again, finishing the regular season No. 19 in the FBS averaging 34.6 points per game to mark the fourth consecutive season a Memphis team has ranked inside the Top 25 for points per game at the end of a season. All six of Silverfield’s Memphis teams have averaged 30+ points per game. The Tigers are one of just five schools nationally to rank in the Top 20 in scoring in each of the past three seasons, joining Notre Dame, Oregon, Ole Miss and Texas State.

The team’s defense has shown steady improvement over the last three seasons, allowing just 22.5 points per game this year – the best of the Silverfield era and third-best in the American Conference this season. The Tigers’ defense also ranked third in the American allowing 361.1 yards per game, a number that has improved dramatically over the last two seasons. The team’s 19 forced turnovers also helped Memphis rank 13th in the FBS in turnover margin at plus-9.

Memphis’ historic 2024 season saw the Tigers accomplish back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in program history with an 11-2 record capped off by a Frisco Bowl win over West Virginia. The 11-win campaign was good enough to place the Tigers in the final Coaches Poll at No. 23 and the final AP poll at No. 24, the first time Memphis had finished inside the Top 25 of either poll since 2019. That Memphis team also cracked the College Football Playoff Top 25 in December at No. 25 after a win over Tulane to snap the Green Wave’s 17-game conference winning streak. The Tigers spent 10 weeks ranked or receiving votes in the AP Poll and received votes or were ranked in 14 out of 17 editions of the Coaches Poll.

Silverfield became the first Memphis head coach in history to win Tennessee Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year honors for the second time in 2023 after leading the Tigers to a 10-2 season. His squad captured just the fifth 10-win season in program history and won his school record fourth bowl game with a 36-26 win over Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

The 2022 Tigers won their second consecutive bowl game to make him the first Memphis head coach to win back-to-back bowl games.

In 2021, true freshman QB Seth Henigan earned Freshman All-America honors while leading the Tigers. He passed for 3,322 yards and 25 touchdowns to shatter the school’s freshman passing yards record and rank sixth overall on the program’s single-season list. His 25 touchdowns matched the seventh-most in school history.

His first season as the Tigers’ head coach ended with an 8-3 record during the 2020 season. Silverfield’s .727 winning percentage set the school record for winning percentage by a head coach, with the team’s eight wins matching Mike Norvell’s record for a first-year head coach. On the field, Memphis ranked 22nd in the nation in total offense (453.1) and finished 17th in the country in both passing offense (307.9) and first down offense (260). Defensively, the Tigers were 13th in turnovers gained (20), 17th in passes intercepted (12) and 19th in red zone defense (.744).

After more than 18 years of coaching experience at the high school, college and NFL levels, Silverfield joined the Memphis staff in 2016 as the team’s offensive line coach and quickly began his ascension on the Tigers’ staff earning a promotion to Run Game Coordinator in 2017 before being named Assistant Head Coach in 2018 and Deputy Head Coach in 2018.

Silverfield’s 2018 offensive line was one of 10 semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award, given to the best offensive line in college football. He was named one of six finalists for the offensive line coach of the year award sponsored by FootballScoop and has been recognized as one of the top recruiters during his time at Memphis. In 2017, he was tabbed the fourth-best recruiter in The American by 247sports.com.

Prior to Memphis, Silverfield split the 2015 season at Arizona State as a senior offensive analyst and with the NFL’s Detroit Lions as an assistant offensive line coach – his second stint coaching in the NFL. He helped a 2-7 Lions team finish 5-2 over the final two months of the season behind a revamped offensive line that allowed QB Matthew Stafford to throw 17 touchdowns with only one interception during that seven-game stretch.

In 2014, as an offensive consultant, he helped Toledo to a 9-4 mark and a 7-1 record in the Mid-America Conference to win the West division. The nine wins for the Rockets were the team’s most since 2001, capped off by a GoDaddy.com Bowl win over Arkansas State. Silverfield’s work with the offensive line helped pave the way for one of the best offenses in school history as the Rockets set school records for total offense, total rushing yardage and first downs per game while also ranking among the program’s top-five in points per game (2nd), touchdowns scored (3rd) and rushing touchdowns (3rd). The offense led the MAC in scoring offense, total offense, rushing offense and first downs with RB Kareem Hunt leading the league in rushing (1,631 yards) and leading FBS in yards per carry (8.0).

Silverfield spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2008-13) working with both the offensive and defensive lines. During his time in Minneapolis, the Vikings won a pair of NFC North Division titles with three playoff appearances, including the 2009 NFC Championship game. He worked with an offensive line that blocked for NFL MVP Adrian Peterson in 2012 as Peterson ran for a league-best 2,097 yards.

At UCF in 2006-07, he worked on both sides of the ball as a graduate assistant. His first season with the Knights was spent with the offense and his second season with a Knights’ defense that led the way to a 10-4 season and a Conference USA championship.

In 2005, Silverfield served as the quarterbacks coach at Jacksonville University. At the age of 23, he served as the head coach at Memorial Day High School in Savannah, Ga. in 2004.

He coached throughout his time during college at Hampden-Sydney College (Va.) starting as an offensive assistant in 2000 before taking over the Tigers’ defensive line in 2001-02. He helped the Tigers to a 9-1 record in 2003 as the team’s tight ends and H-backs coach during his final season. The offense led the nation with 47.0 points per game and scored 45+ points in all 10 games that season.

Silverfield began his coaching career at his alma mater – The Bolles School – in 1999. As a player at Bolles, he was a member of two state championships in 1995 and 1999, helping the Bulldogs to a No. 1 ranking in the USA Today Super 25 national high school poll.

Silverfield and his wife, Katie, have twin daughters, Adeline and Celicia.

The Silverfield File
Birthdate: August 4, 1980
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
High School: The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.)
College: Hampden-Sydney College (Va.), 2003 Economics
Family: Wife – Katie; Daughters – Adeline and Celicia

Coaching Experience
1999 The Bolles School – Assistant Coach
2000 Hampden-Sydney College (Va.) – Offensive Assistant
2001-02 Hampden-Sydney College (Va.) – Defensive Line
2003 Hampden-Sydney College (Va.) – Tight Ends, H-Backs
2004 Memorial Day HS – Head Coach
2005 Jacksonville – Quarterbacks
2006 Central Florida – Graduate Assistant, Offense
2007 Central Florida – Graduate Assistant, Defense
2008-10 Minnesota Vikings – Offensive Quality Control, DL Assistant
2011-13 Minnesota Vikings – Assistant Offensive Line
2014 Toledo – Offensive Consultant
2015 Arizona State – Senior Offensive Analyst
2015 Detroit Lions – Assistant Offensive Line
2016 Memphis – Offensive Line
2017 Memphis – Run Game Coordinator, OL
2018 Memphis – Assistant Head Coach, Run Game Coordinator, OL
2019 Memphis – Deputy Head Coach, Run Game Coordinator, OL
2019-25 Memphis – Head Coach

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Featured

“5th & Goal” Returns Tonight, Bringing Local Coaches and Football Fans Together

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Jax Sanford

South Arkansas Now will once again bring local high school football coaches and fans together tonight with the return of “5th & Goal,” the weekly coaches show highlighting football across South Arkansas.

The show goes live at 6 p.m. tonight from Mystic Creek Grill and will feature coaches from Parkers Chapel, El Dorado, Junction City, and Smackover as they look back at last week’s games and preview the matchups ahead.

For 13 years, local football fans were without the weekly program that had become a familiar part of the South Arkansas football season. Now, “5th & Goal” has returned, with Jax Sanford picking up the torch from his father, B.A. Sandy Sanford, who created and hosted the original program for more than a dozen years.

The response since the show’s return has been overwhelmingly positive, with feedback from coaches, fans, school administrators and sponsors reinforcing the decision to bring the program back.

Each week, Jax Sanford will sit down with area coaches to discuss the previous Friday night’s action, key moments from their games, what their teams are working on during the week, and what fans can expect when they take the field next.

Tonight’s show will offer an opportunity for fans to hear directly from coaches representing four area programs as they prepare for another week of high school football.

“5th & Goal” will be streamed live every Tuesday at 6 p.m. during the football season, live from Mystic Creek Grill.

Fans can tune in tonight at 6 p.m. through South Arkansas Now’s online platforms for the latest edition of “5th & Goal” and hear from the coaches who are leading local teams through another exciting football season.

Kickoff may be Friday night, but football talk starts Tuesday on “5th & Goal.”

Sports

El Dorado Cross Country Opens Season With Three Team Titles in Perryville

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Jax Sanford

The El Dorado High School cross country team opened its 2026 season with an impressive showing Wednesday at the Perryville Mustang Invitational, competing against 16 other programs from across the state.

The Wildcats went toe-to-toe with several strong programs, including fellow conference opponents Sheridan and Hot Springs, as well as Conway, DeQueen, Searcy and Conway St. Joseph.

El Dorado brought home three team trophies, with both junior high squads claiming championships and the senior boys finishing as the overall runner-up.

The senior boys placed second with 76 points, finishing behind Conway’s 28 points. DeQueen followed in third with 104 points, while Searcy finished fourth with 120. Maumelle and Conway St. Joseph tied with 134 points, and Sheridan finished with 164.

The senior girls finished fourth overall, trailing Conway, DeQueen and Searcy.

Coach John Koonce said the team’s performance was a strong way to begin the season, with Wildcats runners competing against some of the state’s established cross country programs.

El Dorado’s medalists included Jackson Smith, Oscar Garcia, Abby Mitchell, Julianna Ayres, Cali Ayres, Milani James, Priscilla Martinez, Matthew Morgan and Caleb Ayres.

The nine medalists, pictured from left to right, are Priscilla Martinez, Milani James, Abby Mitchell, Oscar Garcia, Matthew Morgan, Caleb Ayres, Cali Ayres, Julianna Ayres and Jackson Smith.

With both junior high teams earning championships and the senior boys narrowly missing the top spot, the Wildcats opened the season with plenty of momentum as they continue toward the heart of the 2026 cross country season.

Complete individual times and placements are being handled by McDonald Timing and will be updated on the Arkansas MileSplit meet page as results become available.

Sports

Lady Cats Claim Team Victory at Mystic Creek; Wildcats Boys Finish Fourth

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Jax Sanford

EL DORADO, Ark. — The El Dorado Lady Cats continued their strong start to the golf season Wednesday at Mystic Creek Golf Course, earning a team victory while placing all four golfers in the top four individually.

El Dorado posted a team score of 286 to win the girls competition, finishing ahead of Nashville at 355. Sylvan Hills did not qualify a team score.

Lucy Whitten led the way for the Lady Cats, earning medalist honors with an 83. El Dorado dominated the top of the leaderboard, with all four of its golfers finishing among the top four.

Emma Cheatham finished as the runner-up with a 98, followed by Carolina Sneed with a 105 and Avelyn Chen with a 106.

On the boys side, the El Dorado Wildcats finished fourth with a team score of 366.

Tate Meadows paced the Wildcats with a sixth-place finish, carding an 84. Brett Nash followed with a 91, while Tanner Smart shot a 92 and Zane Walker finished with a 94. Mason Moore carded a 97, followed by Ford Wilson with a 98.

Bryant captured the boys team title with a score of 333, followed by Sylvan Hills at 337 and Nashville at 350.

Sylvan Hills’ Cooper Harris earned boys medalist honors after shooting a 74.

El Dorado JV Competes in Nine-Hole Match

El Dorado’s junior varsity teams also competed Wednesday, taking part in a nine-hole match against Parkers Chapel and Junction City.

The El Dorado JV boys finished second with a team score of 212, behind Parkers Chapel’s 193. Junction City finished with a 242.

JD Carelock earned individual medalist honors with a 45, while El Dorado’s Levi Grieff finished as the runner-up with a 48.

The remaining El Dorado golfers finished with Cooper Wilson at 52, Zachery Tissue at 53, Jackson Lee at 55, Canyon Wilson at 57, Carson Mills at 59 and Liam Beebe at 64.

The strong showing from the Lady Cats, including four golfers occupying the top four spots, highlighted another successful day on the course for El Dorado’s golf program.

News

FALL SPORTS REGISTRATIONS GOING ON NOW

Published

2 weeks ago

August 24, 2026

Sandy Sanford

EL DORADO, AR – The Boys & Girls Club of Union County is gearing up for another season of youth athletics, with registration now open for its 2026 Flag Football League and Girls Volleyball Season. Both programs are designed to give local children an opportunity to participate in organized sports while developing teamwork, sportsmanship and other skills that extend beyond the playing field.

Flag Football Registration Open

The Boys & Girls Club’s 2026 Youth Flag Football League will feature three co-ed age divisions:

Kindergarten through 2nd grade
3rd and 4th grade
5th and 6th grade

The registration fee is $80 per player, and registration closes September 19, 2026. The regular season is scheduled to run from October 12 through November 19, with playoff dates to be announced. The league offers young athletes the opportunity to get on the gridiron in a non-contact environment while building skills and learning the fundamentals of football.

Girls Volleyball Season

Registration is also underway for the Boys & Girls Club’s 2026 Girls Volleyball Season. Volleyball will be offered in three age groups:

Kindergarten through 2nd grade
3rd and 4th grade
5th and 6th grade

The registration fee is $80, with registration also closing September 19, 2026. The regular volleyball season is scheduled for October 12 through November 19, with playoff information to be announced at a later date. The program gives girls an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of volleyball while developing teamwork, confidence and sportsmanship in a competitive but youth-focused environment.

How to Register

Parents and guardians can register their children using the QR codes included on the Boys & Girls Club promotional materials. For additional information about either program, contact Club Athletic Director Dominique Turner at (870) 863-8753, ext. 106. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County – Arkansas is an equal opportunity provider.

Sports

El Dorado Girls Golf Wins Relyance Bank Classic; Boys Finish Fifth

Published

3 weeks ago

August 13, 2026

Jax Sanford

El Dorado Girls Golf Wins Relyance Bank Classic; Boys Finish Fifth

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – The El Dorado High School girls golf team continued its strong start to the 2026 season Thursday, winning the Relyance Bank Classic at Pine Bluff Country Club.

The tournament provided an early-season look at the 5A South, with every team from the conference competing.

El Dorado finished atop the girls leaderboard with a team score of 271, a 19-stroke difference from second-place Benton, which finished with a 290. Lake Hamilton placed third at 309, followed by Lakeside at 312 and Sheridan at 316.

Senior Lucy Whitten led the way for the Lady Wildcats, earning individual medalist honors after shooting an 83.

El Dorado also had two golfers finish tied for fifth individually. Senior Avelyn Chen and sophomore Carolina Sneed each carded a 94.

The victory continues what has been an impressive early stretch for the El Dorado girls team and provides an encouraging early measuring stick against the rest of the 5A South.

The El Dorado boys team also competed Thursday, finishing fifth with a team score of 353.

Senior Tate Meadows paced the Wildcats, shooting an 80 to finish seventh individually.

Benton claimed the boys team title with a 310, followed by Lakeside at 323. Lake Hamilton finished third at 348, while Sheridan placed fourth at 351 and El Dorado finished fifth at 353. White Hall rounded out the field with a 357.

With the Relyance Bank Classic bringing the entire 5A South together early in the season, both El Dorado teams got an opportunity to see where they stand within the conference. The Lady Wildcats emerged as the top team Thursday, while the boys will look to build on their fifth-place finish as the season continues.