Kirk Botkin was Arkansas' first All-SEC performer as a tight end in 1992 and '93, and served as a captain during his senior season. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in education. He was later named to the Razorbacks' All-Decade team for the 1990s after logging 87 career receptions for 819 yards and five touchdowns.

Botkin spent four years in the NFL, including playing for Bill Parcells in New England (1994), Jim Mora in New Orleans (1994-95) and Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh (1996-97). After an injury ended his career, he began his coaching career at his hometown high school of Robert E. Lee High in Baytown, Texas in 1999. In 2000 he worked as a graduate assistant at Rice University in Houston.

From 2001-05, Botkin served as an assistant coach at Jacksonville State University, first as a tight ends/offensive tackles coach, then as an outside linebackers/special teams coach. While at JSU, the squad won the Ohio Valley Conference in 2003 and '04 and coached seven all-conference performers.

Between stints at Jacksonville State and Arkansas, Botkin spent two seasons coaching linebackers and special teams at Louisiana-Monroe. In 2007, he helped the Warhawks record their first non-losing season in 14 years, including a win at Alabama.

Born March 19, 1971, Botkin and his wife, the former Rebecca Holloway, have three children, Lane, Ty and Brynn.