Arkansas promotes Wilson, Smith after Petrino cuts three defensive assistants

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Bobby Petrino wasted little time reshaping Arkansas’ staff in his first full day as interim head coach.

The university announced Monday that Petrino dismissed defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson and defensive line coach Deke Adams.

The moves came one day after Sam Pittman was fired following a 56–13 home loss to Notre Dame, a game in which Arkansas allowed 643 yards and surrendered 56 points. Athletic director Hunter Yurachek elevated Petrino to interim head coach on Sunday and said the program needed a new direction.

“I want to thank Coach Pittman for his service and dedication,” Yurachek said. “At this time, however, I feel a change is necessary to put our student-athletes and program in the best position to be successful.”

Petrino, who returned to Arkansas this season as offensive coordinator, is expected to be considered for the permanent role as the school begins a national search.

Wilson takes over defense

With Williams and Woodson out, Petrino turned to Chris Wilson to run the defense.

Wilson, in his first season at Arkansas as an assistant defensive line coach, will handle play-calling duties as interim defensive coordinator.

Wilson’s résumé includes stints at Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Georgia and Colorado. He also worked in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, coaching their defensive line during the 2017 season that ended in a Super Bowl title.

More recently, he coordinated defenses in the UFL for the Houston Roughnecks.

Petrino also reassigned Che Hendrix to coach safeties. Hendrix joined Arkansas earlier this year after a successful run as a high school head coach in Texas.

Smith promoted on offense

On the offensive side, Petrino promoted Kolby Smith to offensive coordinator while keeping play-calling responsibilities for himself.

Smith had been Arkansas’ running backs coach this season after working with the Miami Dolphins in the NFL.

A former running back at Louisville under Petrino, Smith spent four seasons in the NFL before beginning his coaching career.

He now steps into a larger role overseeing preparation and game planning.

“Kolby has great knowledge of our system and understands what it takes to prepare players at this level,” Petrino said.

The shift signals that Petrino will remain heavily involved in offensive direction while Smith handles the day-to-day structure of the unit.

Razorbacks face uncertain stretch

The Razorbacks head into a bye week with a 2–3 record before traveling to Tennessee on Oct. 11.

Arkansas ranks near the bottom of the SEC in several defensive categories and has struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball.

ESPN analyst Greg McElroy said the timing of the changes made sense.

“After five games, these are when decisions are likely to be made,” McElroy said. “You hate it. I love Sam Pittman to death, but it just wasn’t going in the right direction.”

Petrino’s return to Fayetteville as interim coach has added intrigue.

He previously led the Razorbacks from 2008 to 2011, winning 34 games before being dismissed in 2012 after an off-field scandal.

Whether he can stabilize the team and position himself as a long-term candidate remains uncertain.

But Arkansas’ coaching structure now looks very different, with Wilson and Smith taking on significant responsibilities as the program turns the page.

Key takeaways

• Bobby Petrino dismissed three defensive assistants, including coordinator Travis Williams, in his first moves as interim head coach.

• Chris Wilson was promoted to interim defensive coordinator, while Kolby Smith became offensive coordinator with Petrino retaining play-calling.

• Arkansas is 2–3, on a bye week and beginning a national coaching search that includes Petrino as a candidate.