Joel Thomas Signs Contract Extension

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.

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