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Reports: Texas A&M Poised to Hire Ex-Arkansas DC Travis Williams as Linebackers Coach

The move would fill Texas A&M’s linebackers coach opening created by Jay Bateman’s departure.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets including ESPN’s Pete Thamel and 247SportsMatt Zenitz report Williams is expected to join Mike Elko’s staff, with his exact title not yet finalized.
  • Williams served as Arkansas’ defensive coordinator for three seasons after two years as UCF’s DC, and he was dismissed when Bobby Petrino overhauled the Razorbacks’ defensive staff following Sam Pittman’s firing.
  • Arkansas’ defense struggled under Williams, finishing last in the SEC in scoring and total defense at the time of his dismissal, though he is widely regarded as a high-level recruiter.
  • Texas A&M has reshaped its staff for 2026, promoting Lyle Hemphill to defensive coordinator and Holmon Wiggins to offensive coordinator, with Bateman and Collin Klein remaining through the College Football Playoff.
  • Separately, reports indicate A&M is expected to add former Rutgers co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Zach Sparber, who has past ties to Hemphill, with his role yet to be announced.