Is Sam Pittman on the hot seat? Closer look at Arkansas coach's career records, achievements and more
Arkansas has not played encouraging football in 2024 under Sam Pittman, and in his fifth season at the program, Pittman is 25-26. With a likely second consecutive season of missing bowl eligibility on the horizon, Pittman's situation could be becoming tenuous. In the past, he has been rumored to be on the hot seat, so let's review Pittman's situation at Arkansas.
Is Sam Pittman on the hot seat?
Despite Pitman's record, Arkansas has struggled since Bobby Petrino's off-field issues in 2012 made his situation with the Razorbacks untenable. In fact, since 2011, Pittman's winning percentage has been the best of any Arkansas coach.
It's not as if Pittman hasn't had any positive moments either. In fact, a careful review of his credentials and situation makes it clear that he could plausibly stay or go. With that in mind, and a lack of talk suggesting he could be in trouble, Pittman is not on the hot seat. However, he could be in due course if performances on the field don't improve.
Pittman's Arkansas history
Pittman was a veteran offensive line coach before he took the head coaching job. He coached at Arkansas under Bret Bielema from 2013 to 2015 before moving to coach the offensive line at Georgia.
After Chad Morris's 4-20 record in two seasons at Arkansas, Pittman became the new Arkansas coach.
Pittman's Arkansas head coaching
Pittman's first season was 2020. While Arkansas's record was just 3-7 in the COVID-shortened season, he and the Hogs snapped a 20-game SEC losing streak.
In 2021, Pittman led Arkansas to a 9-4 season. Among the games Arkansas won that season were Texas and Texas A&M, each of which was ranked in the top 15 at the time.
The Razorbacks finished that season ranked No. 21 in the nation and seemed to have things going well with QB KJ Jefferson and Pittman. Since then, though, the Hogs had a 7-6 season in 2022 and stumbled to a 4-8 mark in 2023. Arkansas was just 3-9 in one-score games over those two seasons, and Jefferson transferred to UCF.
Pittman and Arkanas looking ahead
So far, Arkansas is 2-1 in 2024, but had a tough overtime loss in Week 2 to Oklahoma State.
Transfer QB Taylen Green has played well, but Arkansas's defense has been very hit-and-miss this season. The offense has been better under Petrino, the former Arkansas head coach, who Pittman hired as his offensive coordinator.
Meanwhile, Arkansas's upcoming schedule is challenging. The Hogs play Tennessee, Ole Miss, Texas and Missouri among other teams. ESPN's FPI projects the Razorbacks to finish 5-7 in 2024.
Arkansas's 2025 recruiting class is ranked 28th in the nation per 247Sports, which is 12th in the SEC. Meanwhile, Sam Pittman is under contract to Arkansas through the end of 2026.
Do you think Sam Pittman will get fired by Arkansas in 2024, or will he return? Share your thoughts and insights below in the comments section: