BREAKING: Razorback Royalty Returns — Corliss Williamson Joins John Calipari’s Staff at Arkansas in Shocking Coaching Shift
In a move that has sent shockwaves through both college and professional basketball circles, Arkansas legend and NBA Champion Corliss “Big Nasty” Williamson is officially returning home to Fayetteville. The former Razorback superstar has been named assistant coach on John Calipari’s newly-formed Arkansas staff, just days after his unexpected departure from the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves.
For Arkansas fans, it’s more than just a high-profile hire — it’s the return of royalty.
Williamson, a native of Russellville, Arkansas, became a household name in the early 1990s as he led the Razorbacks to national prominence under Nolan Richardson. His collegiate career reached its apex in 1994, when he helped deliver Arkansas’ first and only NCAA Championship, earning Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. His bruising inside presence, relentless motor, and unmatched intensity earned him the nickname “Big Nasty” — and a permanent place in Razorback history.
After a successful NBA career that included a championship run with the Detroit Pistons in 2004, Williamson seamlessly transitioned into coaching. Over the past decade, he has held assistant roles with multiple NBA teams, most recently with the Timberwolves, where he helped develop their frontcourt talent and contributed to a deep playoff run during the 2024-25 season.
However, in a move that caught even insiders off guard, Williamson announced his departure from Minnesota earlier this week. Within days, rumors swirled that Arkansas — now under the direction of Hall of Fame coach John Calipari — was aggressively pursuing him for a key role on the bench. On Thursday morning, the Razorbacks made it official: Corliss Williamson is coming home.
“I’m thrilled to be back in Fayetteville,” Williamson said in a statement. “This program changed my life, and now I have the chance to help shape the next generation of Razorbacks under one of the greatest coaches of all time. I couldn’t be more honored or more excited.”
Calipari echoed the sentiment, calling Williamson “a winner, a leader, and a living embodiment of Arkansas basketball culture.”
“This isn’t just about basketball IQ — Corliss brings a championship mindset, deep NBA experience, and a unique ability to connect with players,” Calipari said. “He knows what it means to wear that Razorback jersey, and his presence in our program is going to be powerful.”
The hire signals another bold step in Calipari’s mission to reignite Arkansas basketball, following his own dramatic departure from Kentucky earlier this year. Adding Williamson not only brings instant credibility and emotional resonance to the program, but it also strengthens the Razorbacks’ national recruiting appeal and player development pipeline.
From the hardwood glory of the ’90s to the modern coaching sidelines, Williamson’s journey has now come full circle.
As Razorback fans flood social media with tributes and memories, one thing is certain: the “Big Nasty” is back, and Arkansas basketball just got a whole lot nastier.
