The Arkansas Razorbacks continue to build out their football staff under new head coach Ryan Silverfield, officially announcing the hires of Eddie Hicks (cornerbacks coach), Marion Hobby (defensive line coach), and David Johnson (running backs coach). All three bring a wealth of experience and a clear vision for what the next chapter of Razorback football could look like.
Let’s break down what each coach brings to the table - and why these hires matter for Arkansas’ future.
Eddie Hicks: A Defensive Backfield Rebuild Begins
At 38, Eddie Hicks steps into the cornerbacks coach role with a resume that’s both diverse and steadily ascending. Most recently, Hicks coached corners at Cincinnati, where the Bearcats struggled in pass defense - ranking near the bottom of the Big 12 in passing yards allowed and recording just two interceptions all season, the fewest in the FBS. That stat line might raise eyebrows, but it doesn’t tell the full story.
Before Cincinnati, Hicks spent a year as LSU’s lead defensive analyst, giving him a front-row seat to SEC-level talent and scheme. His coaching journey has taken him through a range of programs, from Jacksonville State and Charlotte to Southern Miss and Austin Peay. That kind of path builds a coach who understands how to develop talent at every level.
Hicks also knows what it means to play the position. He was an all-conference defensive back at Southern Miss from 2006 to 2009 - the kind of player who earned his stripes on the field before taking that knowledge to the sidelines.
He’s under contract through February 2028, with a salary of $400,000 per year and a no-compete clause that keeps him from jumping to another SEC school through 2026. For a Razorbacks defense looking to reestablish its identity in the secondary, Hicks brings both experience and upside.
Marion Hobby: NFL Pedigree Anchors the Defensive Line
If you’re looking for a coach who’s been around elite defensive line play, Marion Hobby checks every box. The 59-year-old has spent eight of the last nine seasons in the NFL, most recently with the Tennessee Volunteers as an assistant D-line coach. Before that, he led defensive lines for the Bengals, Dolphins, and Jaguars, and even had a stint with the Saints back in 2006-07.
That NFL experience isn’t just a résumé booster - it’s a recruiting tool, a development asset, and a tactical edge. Hobby knows what it takes to mold linemen into pros, and that’s exactly what Arkansas needs in the trenches.
His college coaching roots run deep, too. He was part of Tennessee’s national championship staff in 1998 as an assistant strength coach, then served as defensive line coach at Ole Miss, Duke, and Clemson. At Duke, he even doubled as defensive coordinator from 2008-10, and later returned to Clemson as co-defensive coordinator during the Tigers’ rise under Dabo Swinney.
Hobby’s contract is worth $700,000 annually, and his no-compete clause extends beyond the SEC - it includes NFL jobs through 2026. That’s how serious Arkansas is about locking down his expertise.
David Johnson: Familiar Face, Proven Developer of Talent
David Johnson reunites with Silverfield after their time together at Memphis, where Johnson coached wide receivers and served as passing game coordinator. This time, he returns to the SEC as Arkansas’ running backs coach, fresh off a six-year run at Florida State.
At FSU, Johnson didn’t just recruit - he developed. His running back room included names like Trey Benson, Lawrance Toafili, Jashaun Corbin, and Treshaun Ward - all of whom made significant impacts in the Seminoles’ offense. Johnson’s ability to identify talent and get the most out of it has been a calling card throughout his career.
His new deal pays him $550,000 per year, with the same no-compete clause through 2026 that applies to his fellow assistants.
A Staff Taking Shape
With Hicks, Hobby, and Johnson officially on board, Arkansas has now announced nine assistant coaches under Silverfield. The rest of the group includes:
- Tim Cramsey - Offensive Coordinator
- Ron Roberts - Defensive Coordinator
- Chad Lunsford - Special Teams Coach
- Jeff Myers - Offensive Line Coach / Run Game Coordinator
- Larry Smith - Receivers Coach
- Noah Franklin - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
This staff is starting to take on a clear identity - one built on experience at both the college and pro levels, with a strong emphasis on player development and scheme versatility. Silverfield is surrounding himself with coaches who’ve seen it all, from Power Five battles to NFL sidelines, and who know how to connect with players in today’s game.
Arkansas isn’t just filling staff spots - they’re building a foundation. And with these three hires, that foundation just got a lot stronger.