University of Arkansas football head coach Bret Bielema announced Thursday the hiring of Clay Jennings as defensive backs coach. Jennings has spent the last six years as cornerbacks coach at TCU.
“I’m thrilled to add Clay Jennings to our staff as his experience blends well with our defensive coaches’ philosophy and terminology,” Bielema said. “He was an instrumental part of a defensive unit at TCU known for giving an opposing offense a variety of looks while keeping schemes simple for their own players. In addition, his knowledge of the recruiting landscape in Texas will be a great benefit to our program.”
Jennings joined the TCU football staff in January 2008. In his first three seasons with the Horned Frogs, TCU led the nation in total defense. From 2008-10, TCU became just the third program in NCAA history to lead the nation in total defense in three consecutive seasons.
Jennings worked two seasons (2005-06) as safeties coach at Houston. He helped the Cougars to back-to-back bowl appearances and the 2006 Conference USA championship.
Prior to his two-year stint at Houston, Jennings spent two seasons (2003-04) as the defensive backs coach at Louisiana-Lafayette, where he helped the Ragin’ Cajuns to a No. 11 national ranking in pass defense.
Clay Jennings Coaching History
Feb. 2014 – Pres. Arkansas (Defensive Backs)
2008 – Feb. 2014 TCU (Cornerbacks)
2007 Baylor (Cornerbacks)
2005-06 Houston (Safeties)
2003-04 Louisiana-Lafayette (Secondary)
2001-02 Sam Houston State (Secondary/Recruiting Coordinator)
2000 Southern Arkansas (Secondary)
1999 Morningside (Secondary)
1998 Morehouse (Secondary)
1997 North Texas (Graduate Assistant)
1996 North Texas (Student Assistant)