November 10th, 2025 5:15am
From UAM sports information:
MONTICELLO, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) has announced that William "Hud" Jackson, head coach of UAM Football, will step down from his coaching duties at the end of the 2025 season to focus on continuing his service as the Director of Athletics at UAM.
Jackson became the head football coach at UAM in 2011. Beginning in July 2021, he also served as interim director of athletics, and he was named director of athletics in March 2022. He has served in that position and as the head football coach since then.
In a statement released on Sunday, the full text of which can be read at UAMSports.com, Jackson thanked his family, friends, coaching staff, players and university administrators for the opportunities he has had, and noted, "This is a tough day, but also a proud one. Football has been my life for 57 years. I've been a coach's kid, a player and a coach — it's all I've ever known. And I wouldn't trade a minute of it."
His fifteen years at the helm of UAM Football are highlighted by the team's appearance at the 2018 Corsicana Bowl, its first postseason appearance in 25 years. In October 2025, Jackson reached his 50th program win. He is the longest-serving and second-winningest football head coach in UAM program history. His teams produced five All-American players, 56 All-Conference players, two Cliff Harris Award nominees, one GAC Offensive Player of the Year, one GAC Freshman of the Year and 55 Conference Academic Team members.
"Winning 50 games as a head coach — that's something special. Making it to a bowl game — unforgettable. But what matters most to me are the people. To every player I've had the privilege to coach and to every assistant I've had the honor to work beside — thank you. You made this journey worthwhile," Jackson said.
"And now, I believe it's time for new leadership, new energy and new ideas to help this program take the next step — to win, and to do so consistently. This program deserves that," Jackson said. "As any coach knows, this job asks for a lot. The sacrifices are real, and they often fall hardest on the family. But I've been blessed beyond measure. I have an amazing wife who loves me unconditionally, and that's rare. I have incredible kids who've supported their dad through the highs and the lows, and I've made friendships through this game that will last a lifetime."
Dr. Peggy Doss, chancellor of UAM, expressed her appreciation for Jackson, stating, "Hud Jackson's heart is in UAM Athletics. His unwavering commitment to this university and to our students has always been on display as he has poured his energy, integrity and deep love for UAM into everything he has done."
"We changed a lot for the better, and I'm proud of that," Jackson said. "I have a great life, and I'm ready for the next chapter, and I look forward to being the full-time athletic director here — helping make UAM Football and all of our athletics programs great. I'm excited to keep serving this university and to support the next leader of this program in every way I can."
In his role as director of athletics, Jackson's fundraising efforts have already established him as one of the most successful leaders in the position in UAM history.
His first major fundraising accomplishment was the Kenneth H. Hunt Athletic Performance Center, a $1.3 million project funded entirely by private gifts. Designed to benefit all sports, the facility features a state‑of‑the‑art weight room and a 3,000‑square‑foot athletic training area for student-athletes. The center opened in 2023 and served as the catalyst for the UAM Athletics Legacy Campaign, a bold initiative targeting multiple strategic projects for the department. To date, the campaign has completed more than two dozen projects, including the installation of lights on the baseball and softball fields, the renovation of multiple sports' locker rooms and ongoing renovations to Steelman Field House. Jackson's vision and diligence have been essential in meeting the campaign's early goals, with his department raising over $2 million so far for the Athletic Performance Center and the additional projects.
"Hud's historic success in fundraising and his visionary approach to facility improvements have transformed UAM Athletics, strengthening the pride we all share in this program. His ability to see what's possible and then make it happen has elevated our entire athletics department," Dr. Doss said. "Now, as he brings his full focus and energy to the role of director of athletics, I am proud to support him and excited for the positive impact he will have across all of UAM Athletics."
Jackson's leadership is also shaping the culture of UAM Athletics far beyond facilities. Programs in his department, such as the Good Morning Club, where UAM student-athletes greet local elementary school students at their school drop-off in the mornings, emphasize service and connection.
"Hud truly cares about helping our student-athletes grow as students, as leaders and as people," Dr. Doss said. "He often says his greatest goal is for our student-athletes to leave UAM not just as successful graduates but as good human beings who make a positive difference in the world. That kind of genuine care and leadership is what makes him so special to all of us. With his leadership, vision and heart for our students and community, I have no doubt the future of UAM Athletics is brighter than ever."