Arkansas Moves Quickly On Assistant Hire

Petrino looks to hire former assistant for running back

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It appears Sam Pittman will move fast to fill his running back coach vacancy. Kolby Smith is expected to lead the Arkansas Razorbacks running back room in 2024, per Brandon Marcello or 247sports. Smith previously served in an off-field role with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins since 2020.

The hire of Smith comes after Jimmy Smith departed for TCU this past Friday. The 39-year-old’s room will be full of former 4-star tailbacks with potential to be a special group. Led by Rashod Dubinion, Arkansas brings back sophomore Isaiah Augustave and redshirt senior Dominique Johnson. The Hogs also brought in a pair of newcomers with Utah transfer Ja’Quinden Jackson and true freshman Braylen Russell.

When his playing days were over, Smith joined Arkansas’ coaching staff in 2012 as a graduate assistant. Then, would be hired by Petrino for his first on-field coaching role serving as running backs coach with Western Kentucky in 2013.

Smith then followed Petrino to Louisville and spent five seasons with the Cardinals from 2014-2018 as running back coach. His rushing attack ranked Top 15 in the FBS in 2015 and 2016.

Smith played college ball for current Arkansas offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino at Louisville from 2003-2006. The bruising tailback rushed for more than 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground. He was a factor in the passing game with 56 receptions for 581 yards and a pair of scores.

While sharing the backfield for the majority of his college career, Smith was a catalyst for the 2006 Louisville offense being extremely dynamic. Teammate Michael Bush had a breakout junior campaign which saw him run for 1,143 yards. His 23 rushing touchdowns ranked at the top of the Big East and No. 2 in NCAA.

He was drafted in the fifth round of the NFL Draft by Kansas City. While with the Chiefs, Smith rushed for 540 yards and three touchdowns over three seasons.

HOGS FEED:

• Loss of Smith huge hit to Hogs' recruiting, player stability

• Pittman feels offense picking up Petrino’s concepts 

• New Razorbacks' OL Coach Eric Mateos' graduate assistant catches everyone's attention

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