Report: Thomas leaves for Saints

Arkansas Assistant Coach Joel Thomas works with the Razorbacks during practice on Saturday, March 30, 2013 in Fayetteville.

— Arkansas running backs coach Joel Thomas is leaving the Razorbacks to take the same position with the New Orleans Saints, according to a report by Sports Illustrated.

Thomas signed a contract extension through June 30, 2016, last month worth $280,000 per year.

If he leaves the university before next February, he would owe Arkansas $50,000.

Last season, Thomas coached a pair of 1,000-yard rushers in Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams.