Gus Malzahn weighs in on what Arkansas needs to be successful
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Gus Malzahn might be by far most associated with Auburn in SEC circles, since he was the head coach on the Plains from 2013-20 and was the offensive coordinator there from 2009-11.
But a few years before that, the 60-year-old who announced his retirement from coaching on Monday spent the 2006 season as the offensive coordinator at Arkansas. So, there is history there between Malzahn and the Razorbacks, who happen to be coming off a nightmare 2025 season during which they fired head coach Sam Pittman.
Ryan Silverfield was hired as the new head coach and will be tasked with the supreme challenge of trying to turn things around in Fayetteville. Malzahn, who spent his final season in coaching as the offensive coordinator at Florida State, doesn’t think it’s out of the question that Arkansas football can be revived by Ryan Silverfield. He was a guest on The Chuck & Bo Show, which is a sounding board for Hogs fans, and talked about what needs to be done at Arkansas starting in 2026.
“Indiana winning the whole thing this year gives a blueprint for everybody in college football. … When everything comes together at Arkansas, the sky’s the limit. They could do the same thing as Indiana,” said Malzahn, who also referenced the glory days that were achieved at Arkansas under the legendary Frank Broyles.
Malzahn is also a big fan of Silverfield, who he’s crossed paths with a lot in recent years before his retirement.
“He’s a good football coach, there’s no doubt about it,” Malzahn said. “When you coach against somebody, you know if they’re a good coach or not. He’s a really good coach. We’ll definitely be rooting for him, as far as that goes.”
Now, the real work begins at Arkansas for Silverfield and his staff.
As far as Malzahn, his work on the sidelines is done, and now he’ll be strictly an observer of the sport he loves.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
