A Razorback Forever: Arkansas Mourns the Loss of Harold Horton — From DeWitt to UCA Championships to Razorback Legend, A Life Dedicated to Football, Family, and the Hogs Ends With an Enduring Legacy
The Arkansas sports community is in mourning today following the passing of Harold Horton — a name synonymous with Razorback pride, excellence in coaching, and a lifelong dedication to the game of football and the state he loved.
News of Horton’s death was shared by his son, longtime coach Tim Horton, in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), prompting an immediate outpouring of emotion, respect, and remembrance from players, coaches, fans, and institutions alike. Horton was more than just a coach — he was a mentor, a champion, and a true Razorback through and through.
Harold Horton’s football journey began in the small town of DeWitt, Arkansas, where he first showcased the determination and grit that would define his life. He later played for legendary coach Frank Broyles at the University of Arkansas, becoming a stalwart presence on the team and laying the foundation for what would become a storied coaching career.
After early coaching stints at Bald Knob and Forrest City High Schools, Horton returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach before eventually taking the reins at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). There, his leadership proved transformative. Under his guidance, UCA captured back-to-back NAIA National Championships and an incredible seven Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference (AIC) titles between 1982 and 1989.
It was during this dominant stretch that Horton truly solidified his legacy as one of Arkansas’ most successful and respected football minds.
But Harold Horton’s service to Arkansas football didn’t end on the sidelines. He returned to the University of Arkansas to serve as the Director of Football Operations, where his leadership and organizational skills helped guide the program through pivotal years. He later took on a role with the Razorback Foundation, where he tirelessly supported fundraising and alumni relations until his retirement in 2012.
To many within the program, Horton was more than a coach or administrator — he was the bridge between generations. A living link from the glory days under Broyles to the modern Razorback identity, he mentored countless players and coaches, often offering wisdom and encouragement when it was needed most.
“He was a coach’s coach,” one former colleague said. “His presence demanded respect, but his heart welcomed everyone.”
Fans and alumni across the state have flooded social media with tributes, photos, and personal anecdotes, underscoring just how many lives Horton touched — not only through football but through his humility, work ethic, and unwavering pride in Arkansas.
The Razorback Foundation released a statement Saturday afternoon saying, “We are devastated by the loss of Harold Horton — a man whose commitment to Razorback athletics will never be forgotten. His contributions on and off the field shaped our program’s identity, and his legacy will live on for generations.”
From DeWitt to Fayetteville, UCA to Little Rock, Harold Horton’s name is etched into the very soul of Arkansas football. His impact spans decades, championships, and thousands of lives molded by his leadership and example.
As Razorback fans mourn the passing of one of their most beloved figures, the state of Arkansas also celebrates the remarkable life of a man who gave everything he had — and more — to his home state.
Rest in peace, Coach Horton. Once a Razorback, always a Razorback
