Arkansas continues to display its level of commitment when it comes to giving its football program all the tools it needs to rise up the ladder in the Southeastern Conference as the Razorbacks are expected to add a former FBS coordinator to Sam Pittman’s support staff in Fayetteville.

The newest Razorbacks assistant also comes to Fayetteville with valuable experience inside the Natural State.

Former Houston defensive coordinator Joe Cauthen is headed to Arkansas to work under Pittman and Barry Odom as an analyst according to FootballScoop. Before landing his job at Houston, Cauthen was the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Arkansas State.

According to Cauthen’s bio on the Houston team page, his Arkansas State defenses were known for forcing turnovers and turning those opportunities into touchdowns.

Under Cauthen’s direction, the Red Wolves have ranked among the top 21 teams in the nation each of the last four seasons in defensive touchdowns with 22 total over that span. The 2015 campaign saw A-State’s defense record an FBS-high eight touchdowns, while also leading the country in interceptions with a school FBS-era-record 26. During Cauthen’s time at Arkansas State, the Red Wolves totaled 79 interceptions, the seventh-best total nationally in that span.

That sounds exactly like what Odom wants from his Arkansas defenses, as the turnovers forced by the unit were critical in wins over Mississippi State and Ole Miss in 2020.

Cauthen also comes to Arkansas after several seasons coaching college and high school football in the state of Texas, which should serve to help the Razorbacks recruiting efforts in the Lone Star State.

Joe Cauthen coaching resume

  • 2019-2020 Houston, Defensive Coordinator/LBs
  • 2014-18 Arkansas State, Defensive Coordinator/LBs
  • 2012-13 Middle Tennessee, Defensive Line
  • 2011 Middle Tennessee, Linebackers
  • 2007-10 Valdosta State, Defensive Coordinator
  • 1999-2006 Texas A&M-Commerce, Defensive Coordinator
  • 1997-98 Stephen F. Austin, Defensive Line
  • 1996 Trinity Valley CC, Defensive Line
  • 1990-95 Sherman High School