FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Interim Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino has added long-time NFL assistant Jay Hayes to his coaching staff as the Razorbacks’ new defensive line coach, a move aimed at stabilizing a defense in disarray after a tumultuous coaching shakeup.
Hayes brings more than two decades of experience at the highest levels of football.
He spent 13 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals coaching players such as Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap, and has also worked with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers.
His collegiate resume includes stints at Notre Dame and Wisconsin.
During Arkansas’ SEC teleconference, Petrino said he had a clear target for the hire.
“I think I got the guy I want, working hard on it,” he said.
The hire follows Petrino dismissing three defensive coaches — coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson, and defensive line coach Deke Adams — in rapid succession as part of a broader staff overhaul.
A rapid defensive reset
The firing of Williams, Woodson and Adams came just a day after Petrino was named interim head coach following the dismissal of Sam Pittman.
Athletics director Hunter Yurachek cited the team’s 56–13 home loss to Notre Dame and other defensive lapses as justification.
In the midst of the transition, Arkansas elevated Chris Wilson, previously an assistant defensive line coach, to interim defensive coordinator. Che Hendrix was appointed safeties coach, while graduate assistants were tapped to help with linebackers.
On the offensive side, Kolby Smith was promoted to interim offensive coordinator, though Petrino retains play-calling duties.
Arkansas’ official athletics department confirmed these adjustments and highlighted Wilson’s experience, which includes a Super Bowl ring earned while on the Philadelphia Eagles staff.
Jay Hayes steps into a critical role
Hayes joins Arkansas at a pivotal moment. The defense will face high expectations under new leadership just as the team prepares for an October 11 matchup at No. 15 Tennessee.
In addition to his NFL background, Hayes’ previous collegiate coaching experience gives him bridges with coaches and prospects in both the professional and college ranks.
Petrino, a veteran coach with multiple stints in both college and the NFL, is seeking continuity and leadership on defense.
The new hire not only fills a gap in the staff but also signals a renewed emphasis on defensive identity.
Challenges ahead and expectations
Hayes inherits a defensive line that struggled early and faces a demanding SEC schedule.
Evaluating and integrating new schemes midseason is never simple, but the urgency is at the top of the list.
The Razorbacks’ performance in the coming weeks may shape the direction of the coaching search after the 2025 season.
Petrino, a candidate for the permanent head coaching role, must show that he can stabilize the program. His decisions now in personnel and performance will influence whether he remains part of the long-term plan.
The strategic implications of this hire are clear. Arkansas is relying on a veteran voice with NFL credibility to bring structure, discipline and renewed confidence to the front line of its defense.
Key takeaways
• Arkansas has hired Jay Hayes, a veteran NFL defensive coach, as the new defensive line coach under interim head coach Bobby Petrino.
• The move follows a sweeping defensive staff overhaul, including the dismissal of three defensive assistants and the promotion of internal coaches to coordinate the unit.
• Hayes enters a challenging environment, expected to stabilize the defensive line midseason and help shape Arkansas’ defensive identity moving forward.
