By Otis Kirk

FAYETTEVILLE -- As expected, Michael Scherer has left Arkansas to take the defensive coordinator job at UNLV under Barry Odom.

That left Arkansas with an opening on its staff and the Hogs have hired Marcus Woodson to coach defensive backs. Scherer coached linebackers, but that is also what new defensive coordinator Travis Williams coaches. Woodson worked with Williams at Auburn in 2018 and 2019. He coached the defensive backs at Auburn and then in 2019 added recruiting coordinator to his title.

On Jan. 25, 2020, Woodson was hired by Mike Norvell at Florida State to coach defensive backs and be the defensive passing game coordinator. Woodson coached for Norvell at Memphis in 2016-17.

Woodson played safety at Ole Miss, starting for two seasons before having his playing career cut short by an injury prior to his senior season. He was part of teams that advanced to four bowl games, including the Cotton Bowl, the Music City Bowl and two trips to the Independence Bowl. He went to Ole Miss after helping lead his high school to two Mississippi state championships.

Other coaching stops for Woodson are Millsaps College (2005-08), Charleston College (2009-13), and Fresno State (2014-15).

Scherer is the third coach to leave Sam Pittman's staff this offseason with all getting a promotion. Odom is the head coach at UNLV, Scherer the defensive coordinator and Dowell Loggains the offensive coordinator at South Carolina.

If no one else leaves then it appears Pittman's staff is set for 2023. That would include Kendal Briles (offensive coordinator and quarterbacks), Jimmy Smith (running backs), Kenny Guiton (wide receivers), Morgan Turner (tight ends) and Cody Kennedy (offensive line). Scott Fountain (Special teams coordinator) along with Smith and Briles are the lone holdovers from Pittman's first staff. The defensive staff is Deke Adams (defensive line), Williams (coordinator and linebackers), Dominique Bowman (cornerbacks) and Woodson (safeties).

In other football news, Arkansas defensive end Jordan Domineck has entered the transfer portal after originally saying he intended to return for 2023. Linebacker Jackson Woodard also has entered the transfer portal.