Razorback fans react to new head coach, call for unity and results

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Razorback supporters have differing opinions about the university’s new head football coach, Ryan Silverfield. Many questions come from the amount of different names that popped up in consideration for the job, as well as interim head coach Bobby Petrino.

“I was hoping Bobby Petrino would get the job,” fan Josh Ball said.

Others, like Scott Graves, are taking a wait-and-see approach. “I’m hoping for the best,” he said.

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Despite differing opinions on the hire, supporters agree that the new coach will need to quickly earn the trust of players and the state.

“He’s going to have to give the kids a reason to believe in him and the state, but if he does that I know everyone will be right behind him,” Ball said.

Graves echoed that sentiment, saying he hopes the new coach can “push over that edge and get some victories.”

Fans claim that financial support and statewide support are crucial in today’s college football environment, especially given the impact of NIL and donor support.

“It’s going to be about more than X’s and O’s,” Ball said. “It’s going to be about motivating the state to unite. We got to be all in. If we’re not going to go all in, it’s a waste of time.”

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Other fans say results will determine how united the fan base becomes.

“I think it’s going to take some results,” Graves said. “Razorback fans expect a lot out of their head coach.”

Many fans also say that continuing to play at least one game each year at War Memorial Stadium remains important for supporters across Arkansas.

“Keep one game in Little Rock every year, because you’ve got to give people a chance who don’t have the resources to spend $85,” Ball said.

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Graves agreed, saying more games in the capital city “would build a bigger fan base.”

Regardless of where the team plays or who leads it, fans say the program’s success ultimately depends on unity.

“How bad do we want it? We’ve got to unify,” Ball said. “If we’re all together we’re going to win. If we’re not together, we’re not going to win.”

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