UCF defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Travis Williams is expected to become the new defensive coordinator at Arkansas, according to multiple reports.
With Williams calling the plays, UCF had the No. 5 red zone defense in the country this season. The Knights haven’t allowed opposing teams to score 32% of the time inside the 20-yard line.
Williams’ departure follows the loss of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Lindsey, who accepted the same job at the University of North Carolina on Thursday.
Lindsey will not coach the Knights in the Dec. 28 Military Bowl vs. Duke.
On3Sports’ Matt Zenitz first reported the move.
Arkansas was in need of a defensive coordinator after Barry Odom left the program on Dec. 6 to become UNLV’s new head coach.
Williams likely will earn close to double his UCF salary.
When UCF coach Gus Malzahn tabbed him as defensive coordinator, Williams signed a 2-year deal that paid him $600,000 annually, according to an agreement obtained by the Orlando Sentinel.
At Arkansas, Odom signed a 2-year extension last year that paid him $1.75 million annually, according to WholeHogSports.com. Prior to receiving a raise, Odom earned $1.3 million in 2020.
Williams was known for his high energy on and off the field at UCF, and Malzahn regularly referred to him as a rising star in college football.
In his first season at UCF in 2021, Williams improved the Knights 70 spots nationally in total defense, allowing 122.5 fewer yards allowed per game compared with 2020.
Prior to UCF, he made a quick stop at the University of Miami as the linebackers coach after spending 2014-20 at Auburn.
Williams rose through the ranks at Auburn from a defensive analyst to co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
He served as the linebackers coach at Northern Iowa in 2012 and the defensive coordinator at Creekside (Ga.) High School the following year.
His first college job came at Auburn where he served as a graduate assistant from 2009-11.
Williams leaves UCF to return to the SEC, where he played linebacker at Auburn from 2001-05.
Malzahn will have to hire two coordinators before the Knights head to the Big 12 Conference next year.
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.
