The University of Arkansas has released contract details for newly hired head football coach Ryan Silverfield, outlining a deal worth $33.5 million over five years and placing him among the highest-paid coaches in program history.
Silverfield, whose hiring was announced Nov. 30 after a two-month national search, arrived in Fayetteville that same day to begin meeting with players, staff and university officials. His contract officially took effect Nov. 30, 2025, and runs through Dec. 31, 2030.
Under the agreement, Silverfield’s base salary will remain steady at $350,000 annually. The bulk of his compensation comes through “other annual compensation,” which begins at $6.15 million in his first year and increases each year of the contract.
In total, Silverfield is slated to earn $33.5 million across the duration of the deal — a figure that surpasses the approximately $25 million package offered to former head coach Sam Pittman.
If Silverfield is fired without cause, the university would owe him 70% of his remaining annual compensation, paid monthly through the end of the contract term. However, Silverfield is required to make reasonable efforts to secure another coaching job. Should he be hired elsewhere, Arkansas’ monthly payments would be reduced by the amount he earns at his new position.
If Silverfield resigns without cause, he must pay the university $2.5 million for each remaining year on the contract.
The Razorbacks’ new coach also stands to earn sizeable bonuses for postseason success and individual honors. Incentives include:
NCAA Program Achievements
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Win College Football Playoff Championship: $1,000,000
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Appear in CFP Championship Game: $750,000
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CFP Semifinal appearance: $500,000
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CFP Quarterfinal appearance: $250,000
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Appear in any CFP game: $150,000
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Appear in a non-CFP Tier 1 bowl game: $150,000
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Appear in any other bowl game: $100,000
SEC Achievements
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Win SEC Championship Game: $250,000
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Appear in SEC Championship Game: $100,000
Coaching Awards
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SEC Coach of the Year: $25,000
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National Coach of the Year: $50,000
