FAYETTEVILLE -- Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema hired Jemal Singleton away from Oklahoma State on Wednesday to serve as the Razorbacks' running backs coach and special teams coordinator.
Singleton, who interviewed with Bielema on campus Tuesday, inherits two 1,000-yard rushers in Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins from former running backs coach Joel Thomas, who has been hired by the New Orleans Saints after spending two seasons with the Razorbacks.
Singleton, 39, signed a one-year contract that will pay him $310,000. The deal extends through June 30, 2016, and includes a buyout of $100,000 if he leaves prior to Feb. 15, 2016, and $50,000 if he leaves on Feb. 16, 2016, through the end of the contract. It also includes a non-compete clause with other SEC teams unless he leaves to take a head coach or offensive coordinator's job.
Singleton spent the past four seasons at Oklahoma State tutoring players like first-team All-Big 12 back Joseph Randle and Desmond Roland, who led the Big 12 with 13 rushing touchdowns in 2013. Cowboys running backs combined for 509 touches last season and had only one fumble, which wasn't lost.
The son of an Air Force sergeant, Singleton graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1999 after playing four years as a running back for the Falcons. Air Force had back-to-back 10-victory seasons for the first time in its history during his junior and senior years, and he served as a co-captain for the 1998 team.
Singleton, who was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville for two years from 2001-03, also coached for eight years at Air Force.
"We are very intrigued with Jemal's history as a person, player and coach, and specifically his experience with the running back position," Bielema said in a university release. "He will be a great asset that brings life experience to Arkansas. Jemal fits into our offensive and special teams philosophy.
"We are excited for him to join our program and help us win an SEC championship."
Singleton said after meeting with Bielema, Athletic Director Jeff Long and the Razorback football staff that he knew he wanted to join the program.
"It was just the perfect fit, both on and off the field," Singleton said in the university release. "The opportunity to coordinate special teams and work with two returning 1,000-yard rushers was icing on the cake. My family and I cannot wait to join this great institution and community.
"I look forward to helping the University of Arkansas win an SEC championship."
Sports on 02/26/2015