Joel Thomas signs extension, per UA

[Fayettechill14]

UA Release:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas running backs coach Joel Thomas  (@CoachJoelT) has signed an amendment to his employment agreement, Razorback football head coach Bret Bielema announced Wednesday.

"We are very excited to extend Joel's contract and keep him here at Arkansas," Bielema said. "He is a passionate teacher on and off the field and has done an excellent job developing our talent at the running back position. Joel is a valuable asset to our program as we continue to take steps forward in pursuit of an SEC Championship."

The running backs continue to improve under Thomas as Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins were the only pair of FBS teammates to rush for 1,000-plus yards in the 2014 season. The duo became just the second pair of Razorbacks to accomplish the feat, following Darren McFadden and Felix Jones in 2006 and 2007. Collins became just the second Razorback in school history to surpass 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons on the hill.

"Thank you to Bret (Bielema) and (Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics) Jeff (Long) for giving me such a wonderful opportunity," Thomas said. "The Arkansas family has really embraced my family and we are thrilled to be part of this football program. I'm fired up to work with a great group of young men and cannot wait to showcase their abilities in 2015 and beyond."

Arkansas returns two of the most accomplished running backs in program history. Williams enters the 2015 campaign as the school's 10th all-time leading rusher with 2,321 career rushing yards. Collins ranks 14th in school history with 2,126 rushing yards entering his junior season.

Fans can put a deposit down for 2015 season tickets by visiting ARKANSASRAZORBACKS.com. The 2015 home schedule includes six games in Fayetteville, four against opponents that played in bowl games last season – UTEP, Auburn, Mississippi State and Missouri.

For more information on Arkansas Football, follow @RazorbackFB on Twitter.

[Oklahawg]

Good news, and that clears up some uncertainties.

[ArKan5a5 KiD]

Well their goes that rumor. But what does that mean for Smith??

[Fatty McGee]

Interesting that in a UA Press Release a person's Twitter ID is mentioned.  Neither good nor bad, just a reflection of how times change.

[Fayettechill14]

Got a $35,000 raise. Deal through 2016 worth $280,000 per year.

[Wildhog]

great.......  I love RB coaches that recruit Texas and contribute one signee every three years.

[CabotHog87]

I take it everyone is mad about this

[JackJohnson]

great.......  I love RB coaches that recruit Texas and contribute one signee every three years.

look at the bright side- he has no where to go but up

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

great.......  I love RB coaches that recruit Texas and contribute one signee every three years.

Lol

[pigture perfect]

I'm personally excited about Coach Thomas being back. Seems like a nice man and a good family.

[Mike Irwin]

I take it everyone is mad about this

Not everyone. Just those who wanted Chaney, Thomas and Smith gone.

[Wildhog]

Lol

It's extremely hard to find D1 prospects in Texas, apparently.  If only he were recruiting a more fertile territory.

[Wildhog]

Not everyone. Just those who wanted Chaney, Thomas and Smith gone.

I don't want Smith gone.  I wanted him to take Thomas' job.

[JackJohnson]

It's extremely hard to find D1 prospects in Texas, apparently.

it is also harder to recruit RB's to Ark and the CBB system then you think.  lay off him dude, he is trying his hardest

[Wildhog]

it is also harder to recruit RB's to Ark and the CBB system then you think.  lay off him dude, he is trying his hardest

Yeah, what RB would want to play for CBB?

[sowmonella]

I take it everyone is mad about this

Not me. I like the way our backs have improved.

[Dominicanhog]

Not me. I like the way our backs have improved.

I agree.....

[Deep Shoat]

great.......  I love RB coaches that recruit Texas and contribute one signee every three years.

On no staff is everyone a great recruiter.

[Wildhog]

On no staff is everyone a great recruiter.

We have one.

[Mike Irwin]

Kinda shoots a hole in the popular Hogville theory that by not wrapping up amended contracts for Chaney, Thomas and Smith at the same time as the other six, Bielema was sending them a not so subtle message to find other jobs.

[Deep Shoat]

We have one.

Our current recruiting level disagrees with you.

[Wildhog]

Kinda shoots a hole in the popular Hogville theory that by not wrapping up amended contracts for Chaney, Thomas and Smith at the same time as the other six, Bielema was sending them a not so subtle message to find other jobs.

Do I sense a little life in Irwin? 

[Wildhog]

Our current recruiting level disagrees with you.

Thanks to an unusually deep in-state class and Sam Pittman closing on half our class.

[Deep Shoat]

Thanks to an unusually deep in-state class and Sam Pittman closing on half our class.

Or Barry Lunney, Jr...

[Wildhog]

Or Barry Lunney, Jr...

You know...the in-state recruiter that I've given tons of props to?

Not sure why you'd want to start a recruiting debate with me.

[Deep Shoat]

You know...the in-state recruiter that I've given tons of props to?

Not sure why you'd want to start a recruiting debate with me.

I really don't.  I just get tired of your negativity regarding our coaches. 

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

We have one.

Im with you IMO your RB and WR coaching should be they best recruiters on the offense.

Thomas makes more than Larry Porter.

[Nosboar Accubond]

Can't be... Hogville said so

[Wildhog]

I really don't.  I just get tired of your negativity regarding our coaches. 

I love CBB.
I love CSP
I like CMS, I'd LOVE him as a RB coach (his natural coaching position)
BLJ is really growing on me.

I love Robb Smith
I love Clay Jennings
I like Rory Segrest
I loved Randy Shannon


Not sure how you can say that I don't love this coaching staff.  I'm extremely positive on the vast majority of them.

[CabotHog87]

BATTLE ROYALE!

[WooPig90]

Anybody think this says anything about Michael Smith?

[Deep Shoat]

Anybody think this says anything about Michael Smith?

Says he is still looking for something else.  Dunno what.

[Wildhog]

I hope Smith stays.

[Pork Twain]

I liked our offensive coaches and I am happy we are keeping him.  There is more to being a good college coach than which recruits you are the primary recruiter on.

[JackJohnson]

Im with you IMO your RB and WR coaching should be they best recruiters on the offense.

Thomas makes more than Larry Porter.

I mean it is what it is and this is my last post on the matter...

For 280k I expect more than 1 signee in 3 classes. We signed 23 in 2013, 24 in 2014 and assuming we sign 25 this year that is 72 signees since Thomas has been here and RW3 is the only one he had the lead role in bringing in. 

Yes, we had 2 1k RB's, but that is like saying D.Nutt was getting the job done here bc he had multiple 1k backs- it is the system not the coach

[Fayettechill14]

The RB position didn't need immediate help when Thomas arrived. He inherited a true sophomore and then added a couple of true freshmen in his first class (yes, I know that Partridge and Lunney closed on those two). He'll be judged by his ability to go get another one when we've lost Collins and Williams.

[LRHawg]

BATTLE ROYALE!

[Wildhog]

The RB position didn't need immediate help when Thomas arrived. He inherited a true sophomore and then added a couple of true freshmen in his first class (yes, I know that Partridge and Lunney closed on those two). He'll be judged by his ability to go get another one when we've lost Collins and Williams.

We should be getting that guy NOW, not just hoping some true freshman phenom comes in and takes over.

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

We should be getting that guy NOW, not just hoping some true freshman phenom comes in and takes over.

And he recruits more than RB.

[ricepig]

We should be getting that guy NOW, not just hoping some true freshman phenom comes in and takes over.

How many stud, by that I mean top 15 type, will want to sit behind those two guys? We aren't Bama, we aren't going to get a 5* every year. I was fine if he stayed, or left, obviously Bielema preferred he stayed.

[LAGNAF]

great.......  I love RB coaches that recruit Texas and contribute one signee every three years.

I'm sure your love is on par with his love for message board critics, but hey, he got a raise and you have a free spot to vent so life is wonderful.

[Wildhog]

I'm sure your love is on par with his love for message board critics, but hey, he got a raise and you have a free spot to vent so life is wonderful.

You ever see this movie?




I feel like the second half of it.

[navyhog24]

Dang. I was honestly hoping for an upgrade at this position.

[Fatty McGee]

Kinda shoots a hole in the popular Hogville theory that by not wrapping up amended contracts for Chaney, Thomas and Smith at the same time as the other six, Bielema was sending them a not so subtle message to find other jobs.

Are you suggesting Hogville theories may be grounded in nothing more than uninformed speculation? 

[Fatty McGee]

I mean it is what it is and this is my last post on the matter...

For 280k I expect more than 1 signee in 3 classes. We signed 23 in 2013, 24 in 2014 and assuming we sign 25 this year that is 72 signees since Thomas has been here and RW3 is the only one he had the lead role in bringing in. 

Yes, we had 2 1k RB's, but that is like saying D.Nutt was getting the job done here bc he had multiple 1k backs- it is the system not the coach

Is it his job to recruit running backs?  Is that how Bielema has it set up?

[LAGNAF]

You ever see this movie?




I feel like the second half of it.

Haven't seen it, but I'll make it a point to do so

[Mike Irwin]

Do I sense a little life in Irwin?

Not sure if you're trying to be funny or if  their was another message behind that post but the reason for Chaney's departure is important to know.

If we know why he left we will know more about what to expect from Bielema & the new OC moving forward. I have no opinion on what happened. Just looking for answers.

Looks like the theory that Bielema targeted all three by not offering them much is off base as least with regard to Thomas.

Everyone has their theories based on logic. I've already posted this and I'll post it again. Logic doesn't always apply when discussing why an assistant coach left.

[Wooderson]

How many fumbles did our rbs have the past two years?  I don't know the exact number but it was way too many. Couple this with recruiting and I don't think he is getting the job done. Obviously coach does though. Hope those two areas improve.

[COCHISE]

I love the last paragraph.

[Mike Irwin]

Are you suggesting Hogville theories may be grounded in nothing more than uninformed speculation?

It was not a shot at various theories. I'm Just trying figure out what happened by eliminating possibilities.