FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas running backs coach Joel Thomas will return for the 2015 season.
Thomas has signed a contract extension through June 30, 2016, worth $280,000 per year.
The new contract includes a $35,000 annual pay raise for Thomas, who coached a pair of 1,000-yard rushers last season. He would owe the university $50,000 to terminate his contract before next February.
Thomas is the sixth full-time assistant coach to receive an extension and pay raise since the Razorbacks' bowl win over Texas. Two other assistant coaches - offensive coordinator Jim Chaney and linebackers coach Randy Shannon - have accepted new jobs in the last two weeks.
It's unclear whether receivers coach Michael Smith, who isn't under contract for next season, will remain at Arkansas.