Clocking a blistering 9.75 seconds in the 100m quarterfinals at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Jordan Anthony joined an elite group, clocking the ninth-fastest time ever and second-fastest in NCAA history. Only 11 men have ever hit that speed, and now he’s one of them. A former Kentucky wide receiver turned sprinting sensation, Anthony’s rare blend of speed and power made him a challenge to coach, until Razorbacks head coach Chris Bucknam took on the challenge – the rest is history, but now, the prodigy must bid farewell to his mentor.

Parting ways with the Arkansas men’s track and field, Chris Bucknam announced he’ll retire at the end of 2025 following the cross-country season, closing an era at age 69. Stepping into his shoes will be longtime associate head coach Doug Case, 63. The transition carries a touch of nostalgia, after all, their bond dates back to the early 1980s, when a 24-year-old Bucknam recruited an 18-year-old Case to run track at Northern Iowa. In addition to that, Case has been Bucknam’s assistant coach for 25 years.

Talking about his assistant coach taking control of the team, Buckman expressed, “It’s always a dream when your top assistant gets the job. I’m thrilled for him. There are coaches in the Power 4…that do not have the credentials that Coach Case has coming in.” Saying his goodbyes tinged with nostalgia and the sorrow of retiring, he added, “This certainly is not an easy one, but one I feel great about. Announcing my retirement effective December 31st and then handing the reigns over to Coach Case. It’s been an honor to sit in the same chair as Coach McDonnell.”

He further added, “I’ve been in this business a long time. You don’t always get to hand the baton off to your top assistant and go out on your own terms. Hunter Yurachek has allowed me to do that. I’m excited for the next chapter of our life, with my wife, Cindy, and our kids and our immediate families.”

Under Bucknam’s guidance, Arkansas became a powerhouse in track and field, capturing 2 NCAA indoor championships, 6 runner-up finishes, and 18 podium placements. Additionally, with 31 NCAA top-10 team finishes across cross country, indoor, and outdoor seasons, Bucknam’s reign became the most successful for the team. His Razorbacks also clinched 34 SEC titles, 12 in cross country, 12 indoor, and 10 outdoor, and pulled off a remarkable six SEC Triple Crowns. Talk about a legendary career.

With him leaving the program in the hands of Doug Case, it’s a significant moment, but as age catches up, he understands that the team needs a more dynamic leader, and that’s exactly what his assistant coach, Doug Case, represents. As he leaves the office, his fans line up to pay tribute to his legendary career.

Track fans celebrate Chris Bucknam’s legendary run and decades of dominance

Celebrating Bucknam’s remarkable career, one fan cheered, “See you Coach! 👋🏾 Now let’s get back to the Penn Relays!” But the business doesn’t stop, Arkansas will host the NCAA South Region Championships in Fayetteville on Nov. 14, followed by the NCAA Cross Country Championships on Nov. 22 in Missouri. After finishing fourth at last week’s SEC meet, the Razorbacks are aiming even higher.

An enthusiastic fan wrote, “Former @UNITrackFieldXC coach retiring after a tremendous career.” Before returning to Arkansas, Bucknam led the University of Northern Iowa Track & Field and Cross Country programs from 1984–2008, during which UNI captured or shared 38 conference titles and won nine straight MVC men’s indoor championships.

Another fan applauded his decades of expertise, “Thx coach. We’ve been spoiled at Arkansas with you and John McDonnell.” One added, “One of the greatest coaches in UNI history (and that’s quite a list to be on…)”, a sentiment that reflects his lasting impact.

With his retirement, Bucknam joins an elite group of University of Arkansas head coaches who guided their teams to national championships across sports. He now stands alongside legends like Frank Broyles (football), Nolan Richardson (basketball), John McDonnell (men’s cross country and track and field), Lance Harter (women’s cross country and track and field), and Chris Johnson (women’s track and field), cementing his place in Razorbacks history. And, as one emotional fan summed it up, “What a run 🐗 So much respect for Coach Bucknam and the legacy he leaves behind. Congratulations on a phenomenal career!”

“He took over a legendary program and was able to put his own stamp on it, which is a testament to him, his staff and the student-athletes he’s coached. Our track and field program has been very fortunate to have elite leadership for over 50 years and that will continue with Coach Case,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek as they prepare themselves to bid adieu to their bedrock. With a legendary career coming to an end, Chris Bucknam can now finally be an observer of the sport, but this time as a fan.