Petrino fires three Arkansas defensive coaches in interim head coach overhaul

Bobby Petrino was named interim head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks following the firing of Sam Pittman after a poor start to the season, including a heavy loss to Notre Dame. Petrino immediately overhauled the coaching staff, firing three defensive assistants: defensive coordinator Travis Williams, co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson, and defensive line coach Deke Adams, citing the defense's underperformance. He promoted Chris Wilson, an assistant defensive line coach with previous coordinator experience and Super Bowl championship credentials, to interim defensive coordinator, and elevated running backs coach Kolby Smith to interim offensive coordinator. Petrino expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to Arkansas, where he had previously served as head coach before being fired for misconduct in 2012. The Razorbacks, currently 2-3, have a bye week before facing No. 15 Tennessee, with Petrino taking immediate control over the team's direction amid significant staff changes. These moves reflect Petrino's intent to quickly reshape the program and address the defensive struggles that contributed to recent losses.