CAMDEN — By SETH EASTERLING
Letter to the Sports Editor
Twenty nine days after Arkansas fired Chad Morris the Razorbacks announced Sam Pittman as the new head Hog. The twists and turns of the coaching search seemed to take as much of a toll on Hog fans as the 4-20 record compiled by the Hogs over the past two seasons. After hearing multiple reports that Lane Kiffin would be named the next coach, and Hog fans across the state having their heart sat on Kiffin, those reports would quickly turn in to reports that Kiffin would be the new coach at Ole Miss. What actually happened between Kiffin and Arkansas still remains somewhat of a mystery but, it is no secret that Arkansas Athletic Director, Hunter Yurachek, had his sights sat on Kiffin early and went as far as to offer him the job. Whether Ole Miss out maneuvered the Hogs for Kiffin or Yurachek made the decision to go in another direction is a topic for debate that depends on which version of the story you choose to believe. Other names such as Eliah Drinkwitz, who accepted the job at Missouri, and Mike Leach, who signed a contract extension with Washington State, also appeared to have been in the mix for the job at some point. Whether or not Pittman was behind those coaches in the pecking order will likely never be known. What we do know is that Sam Pittman is the new Head Coach at the University of Arkansas.
For those that are familiar with Razorback football the name Sam Pittman should sound very familiar. Pittman was the Offensive Line Coach under Bret Bielema at Arkansas from 2013-2015. During that time Arkansas fielded some of the most dominant and biggest offensive lines ever to play for the Hogs. Pittman is highly regarded around the country as one of the best offensive line coaches in the country and a top notch recruiter. Coaching aside, Pittman is well respected among his peers and former players for his ability to develop deep, personal, relationships with his players and colleagues. Former Razorback players that were there with Pittman during his time at Arkansas have been overwhelmingly supportive of the new Head Hog. Pittman was most recently the Offensive Line coach and Assistant Head Coach at the University of Georgia under Kirby Smart. Before Arkansas and Georgia, Pittman made other coaching stops at Cincinnati, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina and Tennessee. He is a native of El Reno, Oklahoma and graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1983.
So, what makes this a bad hire or a good hire for Arkansas? There is some cause for concern that Pittman has never been a head coach at this level. However, Pittman has been immersed in the culture of “big boy football” for many years. The rigors and demands of the SEC will come as no surprise to Pittman. His experience coaching in the league should prove to be valuable in his new endeavor.
As mentioned above, Pittman is highly respected among his peers. He should be able to make a few phone calls and assemble a great support staff at Arkansas. One name already mentioned as a possible Defensive Coordinator candidate is, Barry Odom. Odom was recently fired as the Head Coach of the Missouri Tigers, but has a great resume and reputation as an elite coordinator. Offensively no one really knows what Pittman may be thinking. Former Shiloh Christian quarterback and Gus Malzahn protégé, Rhett Lashlee, is currently the Offensive Coordinator at SMU and is regarded as one of the bright, young, offensive minds in college football. It is possible that Lashlee would jump at a chance to return home and coach for the Razorbacks.
Pittman also excels as a recruiter. It is no secret that great players make great coaches. An old football cliché states, “It is less about the Xs and Os, and more about the Jimmy’s and Joe’s.” Pittman was recently ranked as the #3 recruiter in the nation by 247 Sports and #1 overall in the SEC. Compared to other teams in the SEC, Arkansas doesn’t produce as much homegrown talent. Pittman’s ability to dip in to Texas and Louisiana for recruits will prove to be invaluable.
Perhaps Pittman’s best quality will be his ability to get the most out of his players. Shortly after the firing of Chad Morris, several former Razorback players penned an open letter to Athletic Director, Hunter Yurachek advocating for Pittman to be the next coach. If you’re a Twitter user the reaction of former players to the hiring of Pittman is something you want to see. It was nothing short of a reunion and celebration of former players upon hearing the news Sunday night. As one player said. “I would run through a wall for Coach Pitt.” After two years of lackluster performance and effort, coupled with a team that never bought in to Morris and his staff, this is something all Hog fans should want to hear. Pittman has the charisma and personality to win over the locker room and get the most out of the current players.
Only time will tell if this was a good hire for the Razorbacks. One thing is for sure, Pittman will bring a new level of toughness and excitement to Razorback football. He is hard nosed, relentless, and dedicated. Most importantly, he loves Arkansas and wanted to be here.
Next season can’t get here fast enough for this Hog fan. Like most of you I’m ready to see a team play with heart. I’m ready to be proud to be a Razorback. Here’s to hoping that Sam Pittman is the cure to what has ailed Razorback football. Good luck, Coach, we’re rooting for ya.