Arkansas expected to hire former Auburn linebacker, UCF assistant Travis Williams as defensive coordinator

Arkansas is looking to bring Travis Williams from UCF to Fayetteville.

According to Matt Zenitz of On3, the Razorbacks are expected to hire Williams as their next defensive coordinator. He served the same role for the Knights since 2021.

“Arkansas is expected to hire UCF DC Travis Williams as its next defensive coordinator, sources tell On3,” wrote Zenitz.

Moreover, Williams played linebacker for the Auburn Tigers from 2001-2005, getting into coaching in 2009 after a brief stint in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. He returned to Auburn as a graduate assistant, working his way up to becoming the program’s co-defensive coordinator before taking his talents to Orlando.

Now, he returns to the SEC with Arkansas, replacing Barry Odom, who went to UNLV as their new head coach.

More on Arkansas Razorbacks, Barry Odom to UNLV

Odom spent three seasons in Fayetteville under Sam Pittman.

Odom was last a head coach for the Missouri Tigers, originally hired before the 2016 season and made it through 2019. Much of his coaching career has been spent in that part of the country and heading out West should present a new challenge for Odom.

In three seasons with Arkansas, Odom has been a vital member of the Razorbacks’ turnaround alongside Pittman. Impressive players have gone through the system and will make their way to the NFL, mainly the likes of Bumper Pool, Drew Sanders, and even Jalen Catalon.

Arkansas was one of the top pass-rushing teams in the country this season and led the SEC in sacks with 39. Many teams could not handle the pressure Odom and the Razorbacks sent their way on a consistent basis.