Razorback assistant Willy Robinson has offered his resignation and is no longer the defensive coordinator at Arkansas.

Rumors have been running rampant this week, and Tuesday afternoon Razorback head coach Bobby Petrino confirmed his Robinson's resignation.

"I want to thank Willy Robinson for his role in helping our defense, which he leaves in better shape than when he arrived," Petrino stated in a release. "I have the utmost respect for Willy Robinson as an individual who wants the best for the young men he coaches. I give Willy credit for his part in the building process the last four years and wish him future success."

Robinson came to Arkansas after serving as secondary coach in the NFL for the St. Louis Rams (2006-07). We was defensive coordinator at San Francisco in 2004 and had 34 years of combined coaching experience, including 12 as an NFL assistant and 22 as a college assistant. He was hired at Arkansas in 2008 after Ellis Johnson stepped down less than one month after being hired to take the same position at South Carolina.

Arkansas' defense took a step backwards this season after ranking in the middle of the pack last season in total defense and scoring defense. The Hogs ranked 9th in both categories this season, surrendering 22.8 points per game and 371.4 yards of total offense.

Robinson is the third coach gone from a staff that put together back-to-back 10-win seasons. Offensive coordinator Garrick McGee is the new head coach at Alabama-Birmingham, and special teams coordinator John L. Smith is the new head coach at Weber State.

"I want to express my gratitude to John L. Smith for all he has done for me throughout my career and particularly the past three seasons he has been here at Arkansas," Petrino said. "Coach Smith did a tremendous job with our special teams and the results were evident this year. I've always said John L. Smith has a big heart and lets everyone in and I know those in his program will enjoy playing for him. By going to Weber State, his career comes full circle and he returns to a region of the country he knows very well. The relationship I've had with Coach Smith has always been one I have valued and he will always remain a trusted friend and advisor."

Razorback offensive coordinator turned Illinois offensive coordinator Paul Petrino will return to Fayetteville to take over the duties he previously left to McGee.

"I am extremely thrilled to have Paul become a member of our staff again," Bobby Petrino said. "Paul has had several options with high level programs the past few days and I'm excited he made the decision to rejoin our program. His experience the last two seasons, blended with our philosophy will give us continuity with our aggressive scheme. Paul has a talented offensive mind and he has had great success every step of his career. His offensive numbers and rankings speak for themselves, and he has always had an incredible ability to develop players."