FAYETTEVILLE — Ryan Silverfield has been appointed as the new head football coach of the University of Arkansas, agreeing to a five-year contract worth $33.5 million. The deal features an initial annual salary of $6.5 million, which will see an increase of $100,000 each year, culminating in an annual salary of $6.9 million by the end of the contract.
Details of Silverfield’s contract were revealed through a public records request made to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. His agreement was signed by both Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek and Silverfield shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday night. As part of the financial framework, the university will also be obligated to pay a buyout amount if it decides to terminate Silverfield’s contract prematurely. The buyout structure is significant, ranging from $10 million if terminated before December 31, 2026, decreasing gradually to $1.25 million by the end of the contract in 2030.
Yurachek noted that this agreement reflects a “new and significant financial investment” in the football program, especially following the dismissal of former coach Sam Pittman, who lacked the resources to compete at high levels within the competitive SEC landscape. The contract includes a stipulation for minimum annual salary pools dedicated to the assistant coaching staff and support personnel, though these figures have not been disclosed.
In addition to salary, Silverfield’s contract is laden with performance incentives that could significantly augment his earnings. Eligible bonuses include $1 million for winning the College Football Playoff (CFP) championship, $750,000 for reaching the CFP championship game, and various amounts for advancing through tournament rounds or appearing in prestigious bowl games. Moreover, academic performance incentives are also part of the agreement, rewarding graduation rate milestones with additional funding.
With a proven track record from his time at Memphis, where he led the team to a 50-25 record over six years, expectations are high for Silverfield to elevate the Arkansas football program to new heights. The commitment shown by the university in this contract is a hopeful indication of their intent to strengthen their competitive stance in collegiate football. As Silverfield embarks on this new journey, fans and stakeholders are optimistic about the potential for success in the coming seasons.