Introduction
Ryan Silverfield has recently emerged as one of college football’s most talked-about coaching hires after being named the new head coach at Arkansas Razorbacks. This move marks a major shift in the trajectory of his career — from rebuilding the Memphis Tigers to stepping into the spotlight in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). In this article, we dive deep into Silverfield’s background, coaching record, contract details, and what this new chapter could mean for Arkansas.
Early Life & Coaching Background
Ryan Silverfield was born on August 4, 1980 in Jacksonville, Florida. His entry into coaching began early: while attending Hampden–Sydney College — from which he graduated in 2003 — Silverfield opted to start coaching rather than play college football.
-
His first coaching role came in 1999 as an assistant at his high school alma mater, The Bolles School in Jacksonville.
-
Over the years, he served in various coaching capacities at the high school level, several colleges, and even in the NFL.
-
Notably, he spent six seasons in the NFL — including a stint as assistant offensive line coach with the Minnesota Vikings, and a position with the Detroit Lions.
This mix of high school, collegiate, and NFL-level experience helped Silverfield build a diverse coaching resume — balancing offensive line work, run-game coordination, and broader team strategy.
Rise at Memphis — Coaching Record & Achievements
Silverfield joined the Memphis Tigers staff in 2016 as an offensive line coach under head coach Mike Norvell. Over the next few years, his responsibilities expanded — eventually earning him the role of offensive line coach and run-game coordinator.
When Norvell departed for Florida State in December 2019, Silverfield was named interim head coach — and shortly after, he was promoted to full-time head coach on December 13, 2019.
Memphis Head Coaching Record
-
Overall record at Memphis (college): 50–25 (as of hiring by Arkansas)
-
Bowl games: His teams went 4–0 in bowl games (excluding the 2019 Cotton Bowl, which he coached as interim).
-
Recent success: In 2023, Memphis posted a 10-win season, and followed it with an 11-2 record in 2024.
-
2025 season (final at Memphis): The Tigers went 8–4, including a win over Arkansas itself earlier in the season.
Under Silverfield, Memphis never suffered a losing season — a clear sign of consistency and competitiveness.
His background in both college and NFL coaching, especially with offensive-line and run-game coordination, was often cited as a strength.
Arkansas Contract & New Role — What’s Known (and What’s Speculated)
Hiring by Arkansas
On November 30, 2025, multiple outlets reported that Ryan Silverfield was hired as the new head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, making him the 35th head coach in the program’s history.
This comes after a disappointing 2025 season for Arkansas, which ended with a 2-10 record and the firing of previous head coach Sam Pittman.
Contract Details & Expectations
-
While the full terms of Silverfield’s Arkansas deal have not yet been publicly disclosed, insiders suggest that Arkansas is banking on Silverfield’s success at Memphis and hopes he can turn around the Razorbacks’ fortunes in the SEC.
-
Some reports mention that during his Memphis tenure (as of 2025) Silverfield made around US$2.25 million per year — though it’s unclear if that carries over or will be adjusted for his Arkansas role.
-
Another detail: Memphis is reportedly owed a US$1 million buyout as part of his contract exit.
Given Arkansas’s significant financial investment in its football program, the expectation is that Silverfield will be given enough resources and support to compete at a high level, possibly aiming for bowl games — and, long term, conference contention in the SEC.
However, his lack of prior SEC coaching experience is a major talking point. Critics and fans alike are weighing whether his Memphis success will translate to the tougher competition of the SEC.
Personal Life: Wife and Family
Despite being a public figure because of his coaching career, Silverfield’s personal life remains relatively low-profile. According to available information:
-
He is married to Katie VanLandingham, a lobbyist and Memphis native.
-
They reportedly have two dogs, named Sadee and Cooper.
Beyond that, there is limited public detail about the Silverfield family — which suggests they prefer keeping their personal matters private and out of the spotlight.
What Challenges Lie Ahead at Arkansas?
Stepping into the head coaching role at Arkansas — especially in the SEC — presents a set of fresh, significant challenges for Silverfield. Here are some of the key ones:
-
Higher level of competition: The SEC is regarded as one of the most competitive conferences in college football. Success at Memphis — while impressive — may not directly translate in this environment.
-
Program revitalization: Arkansas is coming off a 2–10 season. Rebuilding team morale, refining play-calling, recruiting, player development — there’s a steep hill to climb.
-
Expectations and scrutiny: Fans and media will pay close attention. His prior lack of SEC experience will be under heavy scrutiny, especially if the team struggles early.
-
Recruiting wars: To compete in the SEC, recruiting top-tier talent is essential. Adapting to recruiting demands, NIL realities, and the conference’s competitive landscape will test his management and strategy.
At the same time, Silverfield’s strengths — a proven record of consistency at Memphis, NFL experience, and offensive-line/run-game background — could help him build a strong foundation at Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Has Arkansas officially confirmed Ryan Silverfield as its head coach?
A: Yes — as of November 30, 2025, multiple reputable outlets reported that Arkansas hired Silverfield as the 35th head coach in Razorbacks history.
Q: What was Silverfield’s record at Memphis?
A: He finished with a 50–25 record as head coach at Memphis. During his tenure, Memphis never had a losing season.
Q: What do we know about Silverfield’s contract for Arkansas?
A: Full details haven’t been publicly disclosed yet. However, prior pay at Memphis was reportedly US$2.25 million per year, and Memphis is owed a US$1 million buyout.
Q: Does Silverfield have SEC coaching experience?
A: No — his head coaching experience has been in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) with Memphis. This will be his first role in the SEC.
Q: Who is Ryan Silverfield’s spouse?
A: He is married to Katie VanLandingham, a lobbyist from Memphis.
What This Hire Could Mean for Arkansas
The hiring of Ryan Silverfield reflects Arkansas’s ambition to revamp its football program with a coach who has demonstrated consistency, player development skills, and a stable record. If Silverfield can adapt quickly to the SEC and secure strong recruiting classes, Arkansas might rebuild into a competitive program.
But much depends on how well he navigates the jump from the AAC to the SEC — both in tactical coaching and recruiting strength.
For Silverfield, this is a career-defining opportunity. For Arkansas football fans, it’s a hopeful, yet cautious — fresh start.
Leave a Reply