This past summer, Houston Roughnecks Defensive Coordinator Chris Wilson earned himself an opportunity with the Arkansas Razorbacks. It was announced that Wilson would serve as an assistant D-Line Coach during the 2025 collegiate season.
However, Wilson’s role is now seeing an increased workload. Sam Pittman, who was the Razorbacks’ Head Coach, was fired over the weekend. His Defensive Coordinator, Travis Williams, was then subsequently fired by Bobby Petrino – the team’s interim Head Coach.
This has led to Chris Wilson taking over as interim Defensive Coordinator. Arkansas announced the promotion for Wilson today.
Chris Wilson has served under C.J. Johnson in Houston over the past three seasons in the USFL/UFL as his DC. He’s consistently had a strong defense with the Gamblers and Roughnecks, despite the lack of offensive cohesiveness over the years.
One of Chris’s players, safety Leon O’Neal Jr., was named to the All-UFL First Team Defense in 2025.
When it comes to Wilson’s resume, it’s extensive – with plenty of NFL experience. He was an NFL draft pick by the Chicago Bears, but quickly moved into coaching the next year at Indiana State. Wilson served as a Defensive Line coach for multiple schools, including Northeastern State, Indiana State, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Chris was a part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl team, as he spent a few years in Philadelphia as their Defensive Line coach.
With Wilson now taking over as interim Defensive Coordinator, it does put his UFL future in jeopardy. It was already unclear as to whether or not he would return to the league in 2026, given the position opening up for him at Arkansas.
For now, only time will tell. If Chris doesn’t return to Houston, it would be a major loss to C.J. Johnson’s coaching staff with the Roughnecks.
What are your thoughts on Chris Wilson earning this opportunity with the Razorbacks? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
