Jackson retiring as men's tennis coach

Arkansas coach Andy Jackson, center, talks to players during practice Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at Dills Tennis Center in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE — Andy Jackson is retiring after 38 years as an SEC tennis coach, including the last nine years as the men’s coach at Arkansas.

The UA announced Monday that Jackson, 61, will retire effective June 30. He will complete his Arkansas tenure by coaching senior Alex Reco in the NCAA Tournament singles competition May 23-28, in Champaign, Ill.

Jackson led the Razorbacks to a 119-118 dual match record — including 15-14 this season — and three NCAA Tournament appearances in 2016, 2017 and 2021.

“It has been an honor to serve as the head men’s tennis coach at the University of Arkansas for the past nine seasons,” Jackson said in a news release. “In that time, I have had the pleasure of working with some truly outstanding young men and watch them achieve some incredible things on and off the court.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a tremendous program. I wish continued success to our student-athletes and all those affiliated with the Razorback Tennis program.”

Prior to Arkansas, Jackson was the coach at Mississippi State and Florida. His career record is 615-353 with 25 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 20 in the round of 16, seven quarterfinals and three semifinals.

Jackson, who graduated from Kentucky, was named SEC Coach of the Year three times and won conference championships with Mississippi State and Florida. He is the only coach to win SEC tennis titles at two different schools.

Arkansas Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek said a national search for Jackson’s replacement will begin immediately.