Ranking Ryan Silverfield Last in SEC Coaching List Misses the Mark

Arkansas' new leader brings a winning track record that suggests he's far from the SEC's worst coach

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:40pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in shades of red, green, and blue, capturing the dynamic energy and competing perspectives of a college football match.A cubist interpretation of the strategic battle between new Arkansas coach Ryan Silverfield and his SEC counterparts.Fayetteville Today

A recent college football coaching ranking that placed Arkansas' new head coach Ryan Silverfield last among SEC coaches has been criticized as out of touch. Silverfield's successful tenure at Memphis and strong record against Power 5 opponents suggest he is poised to turn around the Razorbacks program, despite being ranked behind coaches with less proven track records.

Why it matters

The ranking of Silverfield as the SEC's worst coach fails to account for his full body of work and the winning culture he has established. As Arkansas looks to return to prominence in the conference, Silverfield's ability to adapt and win at multiple levels is an asset that should not be overlooked.

The details

The ranking, released by The Next Round, placed Silverfield last among the 16 SEC head coaches, even behind a first-year coach at Kentucky who has yet to lead a program. However, Silverfield's six seasons as head coach at Memphis, where he compiled a winning record against Power 5 opponents, demonstrate his ability to win at the highest levels of college football. Additionally, his 19 consecutive seasons as part of winning programs as an assistant coach further highlight his track record of success.

  • Silverfield was hired as the new head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks in December 2025.
  • The Next Round released their SEC coaching rankings on April 17, 2026, placing Silverfield last among the 16 SEC head coaches.

The players

Ryan Silverfield

The new head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, who previously served as the head coach of the Memphis Tigers for six seasons.

Kalen DeBoer

The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers, who was ranked highly in the Next Round's SEC coaching rankings despite being recently defeated in the Rose Bowl.

Will Stein

The first-year head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, who was ranked ahead of Silverfield despite not having any prior head coaching experience.

Jeff Lebby

The head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who has a 1-15 record against SEC teams in his two seasons at the helm.

Shane Beamer

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, who has had an inconsistent tenure with the team, going 7-6, 8-5, 5-7, 9-4, and 4-8 in his five seasons.

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What’s next

Silverfield will look to prove the doubters wrong in his first season leading the Arkansas Razorbacks, with key matchups against South Carolina and Auburn that could help elevate the program.

The takeaway

Silverfield's successful track record at Memphis and as an assistant coach suggests he is far from the SEC's worst coach, despite being ranked last in a recent list. As he takes over the Arkansas program, his ability to adapt and win at multiple levels could help turn the Razorbacks into a contender in the conference.