Arkansas hires Rhoads as new defensive backs coach

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) Arkansas has hired former Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads as its new defensive backs coach. Rhoads, 49, was fired by the Cyclones in

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) Arkansas has hired former Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads as its new defensive backs coach.

Rhoads, 49, was fired by the Cyclones in November after seven seasons at the school, compiling a 32-55 record, including 3-9 in his final season. The position was Rhoads' first as a head coach, following a combined nine seasons as a defensive coordinator at Pittsburgh and Auburn.

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

WIN $2KIN TICKETS

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

• Georgia
• Utah
• Alabama
• UCLA
• Notre Dame
• Texas
• Miami (FL)
• Tennessee
• Indiana
• BYU
• Kentucky
• Texas Tech

PREREGISTER TO PLAY

No purchase necessary. 50 U.S./D.C. 18+. Entry opens 3PM ET Dec 6, 2026 and closes 8PM ET Dec 18, 2026. Void where prohibited.See Official Rules for complete details. The College Football Playoff (CFP) is not a sponsor or administrator of this contest.

While at Pittsburgh, Rhoads coached future NFL Pro Bowl selection Darrelle Revis, one of six defensive backs Rhoads has coached who have been selected in the NFL draft.

Rhoads replaces Clay Jennings, who left Arkansas for the same position at Texas last week.