Following his debut season at Arkansas, there was a window where it appeared John Chavis may not return to Fayetteville to work under Chad Morris for another season.

The defensive coordinator’s contract allowed him to decide whether he would return in 2019 and when asked about Chavis’ return near the end of the 2018 season, Morris did not provide an answer to the inquiry. However, not long into the offseason, Chavis made his return to Arkansas official in order to help Morris turn around a program that had just gone winless in conference play.

Following what had to be one of the toughest years of his professional life, Chavis was asked how frustrated he felt during his debut season with the Razorbacks.

“It happens sometimes. I didn’t really allow myself to get frustrated but I did get humbled. And in doing that, it helps you reevaluate and helps you get ready and hopefully motivated to make sure it doesn’t happen again. That’s all you can do,” Chavis said in a YouTube video posted by Whole Hog Sports. “You can’t do anything about it. And again, if you get frustrated then I don’t think you are going to be productive. But yes, I was humbled and it’s time to go make it better and that’s what we are here for.”

While the team’s record certainly didn’t show it, the Arkansas defense did improve slightly in its first year under Chavis — statistically speaking. The defense also secured a shutout against Tulsa in what was the program’s only win following the season opener against Eastern Illinois. Clearly, things did not go as planned in Year 1 for Chavis and Morris but it was no surprise to see the coach known as Chief refuse to go out on such a low note.

With the influx of talent coming on board via the latest signing class and the team getting its second offseason of work in under Chavis, don’t be surprised to see the defense continue to lead the way in Fayetteville until a quarterback emerges for the program. Until then, it will be up to Chavis to get his defense to do what it can to keep the Razorbacks competitive until Morris’ offensive scheme clicks in Fayetteville.