Sports

Arkansas Coach Sam Pittman Cracks Jokes About Being On Hot Seat At SEC Media Days

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Sam Pittman

Getty Image / Omar Vega


It wasn’t that long ago that Arkansas Head Coach Sam Pittman was beloved by Razorback Nation. The coach was leaning into the psyche of the underdog mentality many Hogs fans have as he led the team to a 9-4 season in 2021 in a brutal SEC West.

Since, things have not been good, despite the high expectations created that year when a then-freshman KJ Jefferson starred at quarterback for Arkansas.  People thought Pittman would be able to build around them, but they’ve gone 11-14 since.

A $15 million buyout likely saved Pittman’s job last year, but everyone knows that he’s on one of the hottest seats in all of college football, alongside Florida’s Billy Napier. It’s no secret that he needs a good season to get another year.

When asked about the change in his popularity among Arkansas supporters, Pittman had jokes.

“I’m popular now, just in the wrong way,” Pittman quipped. “I’m hot.” 

He continued saying, ” You know what, two years ago I was appointed as a keynote speaker at AFCA and and was one of the top six guys for the Coach of the Year award, it’s crazy. So, I want to be that guy, and not the onne that was out there last year. I think we can be. Listen, what’s fair’s, fair. I mean, if you’re gonna get patted on the back, you’re gonna get punched in the gut. And what’s fair is fair. And to be honest with you, the only one that can really control the hot seat is me and what we do with our football team, and it’s never been about me. So, I’m really not concerned about it. I’m concerned about the state, the players, and our staff and we got a good football team. Thanks for the question.” 

That kind of self-awareness is a major breath of fresh air from a college football coach in this day and age. And, that kind of candidness may serve him well this year.

Ultimately, a large part of the season will come down to the play of Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green, If he plays well, Sam Pittman may save his job

KJ Jefferson transferred to UCF during the offseason.

Arkansas has a Week 0 game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff before a bye and a big game against Oklahoma State in Week 2 that could set the tone for their entire season.