Arkansas Football Staff Taking Shape with Key Hires from Memphis
FAYETTEVILLE - Ryan Silverfield is building his first Arkansas coaching staff with some familiar faces-and a clear vision. On Wednesday, the Razorbacks officially announced the addition of three key members from Silverfield’s Memphis staff: Jeff Myers as offensive line coach and run game coordinator, Larry Smith as wide receivers coach, and Noah Franklin as head strength and conditioning coach.
All three bring continuity, experience, and a strong connection to Silverfield’s coaching philosophy, having worked under him at Memphis. And now, they’ll help usher in a new era for Arkansas football.
Jeff Myers: A Trusted Hand in the Trenches
Jeff Myers, 33, is set to take over Arkansas’ offensive line and coordinate the run game-a critical role in the SEC, where trench play often defines success. Myers spent the past three seasons at Memphis, first coaching the offensive line, then adding run game coordinator duties in 2023. His familiarity with Silverfield goes back even further: the two crossed paths at Toledo, where Myers played and later served as a graduate assistant.
Before his Memphis stint, Myers developed a reputation as a technician and motivator during his time at Iowa State, where he served as the Cyclones’ offensive line coach from 2018 to 2022. That Big 12 experience, combined with his recent work in the American Athletic Conference, gives him a well-rounded résumé heading into the SEC gauntlet.
Myers’ ability to relate to players and maximize their potential has been a consistent theme throughout his coaching stops. His leadership in the run game will be pivotal as Arkansas looks to establish a physical identity under Silverfield.
Larry Smith: From SEC Quarterback to Wide Receiver Whisperer
At 36, Larry Smith brings both quarterback insight and wide receiver coaching experience to Fayetteville. A former three-year starter at Vanderbilt from 2007 to 2011, Smith knows what it takes to compete in the SEC. That perspective is invaluable as he steps into a role developing Arkansas’ receiving corps.
Smith has coached quarterbacks at Jacksonville State and wideouts at both UAB and Memphis. He joined Silverfield’s staff in 2023, and his return to the SEC marks a homecoming of sorts. Known as a dynamic communicator and teacher, Smith’s experience under center gives him a unique ability to bridge the gap between quarterbacks and receivers-an asset for any offensive coordinator looking to build rhythm and timing in the passing game.
Noah Franklin: The Foundation Builder
Noah Franklin, 39, might not call plays, but his impact will be felt in every sprint, lift, and rep. As the head strength and conditioning coach, Franklin is tasked with developing the physical and mental toughness that defines elite programs. He’s been with Silverfield since the beginning of his Memphis tenure in 2020 and was a fixture in the Tigers’ player development pipeline.
A former offensive lineman at Oklahoma State, Franklin also brings NFL experience, having worked with the Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions. That background-both as a player and coach-gives him credibility in the weight room and a deep understanding of what it takes to prepare athletes for the next level.
Franklin’s long-standing relationships with players and his proven track record in player development made him a natural choice to lead Arkansas’ sports performance department.
Silverfield’s Staff Taking Shape
These three hires bring the total number of officially announced staff members under Silverfield to six. Earlier this week, Arkansas confirmed the additions of defensive coordinator Ron Roberts from Florida, offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey from Memphis, and special teams coordinator Chad Lunsford from Auburn.
According to the university, the new coordinator trio will earn a combined 9.5% more than the Razorbacks’ 2025 staff, signaling a serious investment in this new era.
With a blend of SEC experience, continuity from Memphis, and proven development chops, Silverfield is assembling a staff that reflects his identity: tough, smart, and ready to compete. The pieces are falling into place in Fayetteville-and the Razorbacks are starting to look like a program on the move.