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It’s been rumored for a while, but today we started seeing reports (unofficial for now) that Arkansas defensive line coach Rory Segrest will not be returning to Arkansas for the 2017 season.
Multiple sources say Arkansas DL coach Rory Segrest won't be back. One of nicest guys you'll meet. Sounds like staff adjusting to fit 3-4 D
— Bo Mattingly (@SportsTalkwBo) February 3, 2017
Bo Mattingly is pretty close to the coaching staff. Of course, he produced the “Being Bret Bielema” series and has worked other Razorback events, so it’s pretty likely he got a fairly high-level source for this.
Arkansas’ defensive line was seriously hyped heading into the 2016 season, and, let’s say it didn’t quite reach that level of performance. Arkansas’ defense was so bad this year that there pretty much had to be changes this year. Segrest follows defensive coordinator Robb Smith’s departure a few weeks ago.
Segrest also wasn’t known as a great recruiter, although to be fair, his territory of Georgia and Alabama have never been great hotbeds of successful recruiting for Arkansas. He has been credited with landing a few players, but nowhere near the success Arkansas has had in other places.
Who knows where Arkansas will turn to fill the spot. Former DL coach and Florida Atlantic head coach Charlie Partridge may or may not be a possibility. Bielema has a tendency to find coaches no one expects.
Arkansas now has two spots on the staff to fill since Paul Rhoads was promoted to defensive coordinator. The Razorbacks are now looking for a secondary coach and defensive line coach. Get your resumes prepared.