The University of Arkansas has hired Rory Segrest as its defensive line and special teams coach, head coach Bret Bielema announced Wednesday.
“We had an exceptional pool of candidates and Rory’s name kept coming to the top in every category as I went through the search process,” Coach Bielema said. “I took notice of his coaching abilities when we prepared to play Samford this past season and they were excellent on special teams. All of the coaches I visited with about him spoke very highly about his abilities, including Andy Reid. Rory brings championship experience at both the NFL and collegiate levels to our program.”
Segrest comes to Arkansas after spending three years at Samford as the team’s defensive line coach and special teams coordinator. He previously coached at Samford from 2002-05 when he was defensive line coach, special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator.
Samford finished the 2013 season ranked 18th in the final coaches poll after earning the program’s first NCAA Division I – FCS Playoff berth since 1992.
Samford’s defense tied for first in the Southern Conference and finished 27th in the FBS in sacks with 27. Additionally, Samford ranked 29th in the FCS in total defense.
Segrest returned to Samford after coaching with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2006-10. While with the Eagles, Segrest was the special teams quality control/assistant defensive line coach (2006-07), special teams coordinator (2007-09) and defensive line coach (2009-10). In 2006 and 2010, the Eagles were the NFC East champions and made it to the NFC Championship game in 2008. Segrest also coached in the 2009 Pro Bowl.
Rory Segrest Coaching History
Jan. 2014 Arkansas (Assistant Coach/Defensive Line/Specialists)
2011-13 Samford (Assistant Coach/Defensive Line/Special Teams Coordinator)
2009-10 Philadelphia Eagles (Assistant Coach/Defensive Line)
2007-09 Philadelphia Eagles (Assistant Coach/Special Teams Coordinator)
2006-07 Philadelphia Eagles (Quality Control)
2002-05 Samford (Assistant Coach/Defensive Line/Special Teams Coordinator)
2000-01 Southeast Missouri State (Assistant Coach/Defensive Line/Recruiting Coordinator)
1999 Southeast Missouri State (Assistant Coach/Defensive Line)
1997-99 Auburn (Graduate Assistant – Defense)
1996 Alabama (Graduate Assistant – Strength and Conditioning)
1994-95 Alabama (Student Assistant Coach)
Playing Experience
1992-95 Alabama, Letterwinner and member of the 1992 national championship team
