Ryan Silverfield said his first Arkansas coaching staff was “going to blow us away.”
For Razorbacks fans trying to understand what that meant, the picture is getting clearer.
One of the most important early hires is expected to be Clint Trickett, a coach known for his steady work with quarterbacks and his experience across several offensive systems.
Trickett is set to take over the Arkansas quarterback room, shaping the position that most often determines how fast a program can rebuild.
His background as both a quarterback and a coach gives the Razorbacks a leader who knows the challenges of the position from every angle.
The Razorbacks are in the early stages of forming Silverfield’s first staff, but Trickett’s expected hire already stands out. Quarterbacks need structure, clear teaching and steady communication. Trickett has built a coaching path that shows he provides those things at every stop.
He brings years of experience working with young players, calling plays and designing passing games. For an offense that must take a big step forward, this kind of background gives Arkansas a more grounded path.
Trickett played quarterback at Florida State and West Virginia, finishing with more than 5,800 passing yards and 32 touchdowns. Few coaching hires offer that level of firsthand experience in high-pressure situations.
The Razorbacks get someone who has stood in the pocket, made decisions and understood what it takes to lead an offense.
Before coaching at the Division I level, Trickett spent two seasons guiding quarterbacks at East Mississippi Community College.
That program is known nationally for producing strong players who need quick development. Coaching there shaped Trickett’s ability to teach fundamentals and build confidence fast.
He later coached at Florida Atlantic and Marshall, working across multiple offensive positions. Those roles helped him understand how receivers, tight ends and quarterbacks fit together in a complete passing game.
That matters for a Hogs offense trying to find balance.
Another important stop came at Georgia Southern, where Trickett served as pass game coordinator while also coaching tight ends.
Handling both scheme and a position group gave him valuable experience in designing weekly plans.
In 2025, Trickett spent the season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Jacksonville State. Running an offense while leading the most important position group shows how trusted he has become.
Why Trickett is right fit for Silverfield
Silverfield wants teachers. He wants coaches who can build players up, communicate clearly and guide them through daily work. Trickett’s career fits that model.
His résumé shows steady development, patience and an understanding of how to teach quarterbacks at different stages.
The Razorbacks are building a new identity under Silverfield. That process starts with culture, but it becomes real when the players on offense understand what they are being asked to do.
Trickett offers the kind of detail-oriented approach that helps young quarterbacks grow in a simple, focused system.
Trickett also brings the kind of personality Silverfield values. Silverfield has said fans will be impressed by the character of his staff.
Trickett’s coaching history shows he has earned trust wherever he has been, whether coaching quarterbacks or helping design a passing attack.
For Arkansas, this means the quarterback room gets a steady voice. It means the Razorbacks can build an offense that grows over time rather than guessing its way through games.
How Trickett fits with rest of new staff
Silverfield is filling out the staff around Trickett with experienced assistants on offense and defense. Tim Cramsey is expected to coordinate the offense.
Larry Smith will handle wide receivers, David Johnson will lead running backs, Morgan Turner will coach tight ends and Marcus Johnson and Jeff Meyers are set to guide the offensive line.
On defense, the Razorbacks expect Ron Roberts to be the coordinator and linebackers coach. Marion Hobby is lined up for the defensive line.
Deron Wilson and TJ Rushing are set to coach cornerbacks, and CJ Wilford is expected to guide the safeties. Chad Lunsford is expected to run special teams.
Trickett fits into that group as a central figure for the Hogs offense. While others handle positions, Trickett helps shape the direction of the entire offensive approach.
A quarterback coach often becomes the key connection between scheme and execution.
What Trickett means for Hogs in 2026
Arkansas knows it is starting over after a difficult season. The Hogs do not need flash; they need structure. Trickett gives them that.
He offers coaching experience rooted in real development, not shortcuts.
Silverfield is building a long-term plan, and Trickett’s expected hire is a clear sign of it.
Quarterbacks will get direct teaching from someone who has led an offense, thrown passes under pressure and designed systems around player strengths.
For the Razorbacks, this is exactly the type of hire that can stabilize a rebuild.
Key takeaways
- Clint Trickett is expected to be the Arkansas quarterbacks coach and a central part of the offensive rebuild.
- Trickett brings years of experience coaching quarterbacks and designing passing games across multiple programs.
- His arrival fits Ryan Silverfield’s plan to build a strong, character-driven staff for the Hogs.
