Spring football practice is underway as the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff finalizes its new offensive coaching staff.
Head Coach Alonzo Hampton said UAPB has filled its vacancies but needs to finish up a few administrative details before officially announcing its new offensive coordinator and staff.
“We got some really good guys that’s here on staff,” Hampton said. “This’ll be the best collection of coaches, as well. Guys that can do multiple things and guys that wanted to be here, guys that had other options. I think that’s what you really need when you talk about UAPB. A lot of guys will be in different positions, and then, we’ll bring some from the outside that’s going to add a lot of value to us, as well.”
Each offseason since hiring Hampton, UAPB has needed to replace a departing coordinator. This year, the Golden Lions had to replace offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tony Hull, who left for Alabama State after two years in Pine Bluff.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
UAPB also lost offensive line coach Donovon Jackson to North Carolina A&T, leaving multiple offensive positions open.
Hampton said the new offensive coordinator is on campus, though some of the other assistants are still working on getting to Pine Bluff.
“The system’s in place,” Hampton said. “We’ve been meeting. Even the coaches that are not here, they’ve been meeting with our team. It’s no different what they do at other places. … All our things are in place. We just gotta get everything finalized before we can make the announcement to everybody.”
The new offensive coordinator will be UAPB’s third in four years under Hampton. One of his big tasks will be identifying a new starting quarterback.
The Golden Lions have four quarterbacks on campus, though only three are active participants in spring practice, which began Wednesday. Redshirt sophomore Landon Holcomb was seen in a walking boot during Thursday’s practice.
Redshirt freshman Garrison Davis had one of the more impressive throws Thursday when he threaded a downfield pass between two defenders for a completion. Davis, who started UAPB’s season finale at Alabama State last season, is competing alongside junior college transfer Jack Schierholz and true freshman Tyler Hampton.
Former UAPB quarterback DJ Stevenson, the Golden Lions’ backup the past two seasons, has remained on campus to work with the new crop of quarterbacks. Hampton said Stevenson will graduate in May and remain with the team as a graduate assistant this fall.
“He’s brilliant,” Hampton said. “Brilliant mind, outstanding spirit, and the guys respect him. Anytime you do the things that he had to do playing behind guys, but he never complained, behind (Mekhi) Hagens, behind (Christian) Peters. This guy’s a leader. He’s a coach, man. So, I’m excited for him to work with these young guys.”
The defensive side of the ball will see far more continuity with defensive coordinator Jeff Burrow returning along with the entire defensive staff.
UAPB practiced in helmets only for the first two days before adding shells on Friday. The Golden Lions will not practice next week but will return to the field March 31.
On National Signing Day, Hampton said the 2026 recruiting class was his best yet. On Thursday, he reiterated his belief this year’s team will be the best under his watch, with more signees still to come over the spring and summer.
“It’s the amount of time that they spend over here in the building with the coaches,” Hampton said. “They want to know what we’re doing and why we’re doing what we’re doing. … These guys expect to have success. Now, you bring in guys that’s trying to take their spots and understanding that, ‘If I come in and do the things I need to do, I’m going to get on the field.'”
This week’s three practices were the first of 15 which will culminate in the Black and Gold Game on April 25.