Back in February of this year, College Football Report released their list of ‘College Football Head Coach Hot Seat Tiers.’ In this list, Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman found himself in the ‘Scorching Hot Seat’ category. As a 2018 Joe Moore Award finalist and Pittsburg State Athletics Hall of Famer, this news came as a shock to many.
Pittman, who took over as head coach of the Razorbacks in December 2019, had a rough start to his tenure. In his first season, he led the team to a 3-7 record, with only one win in the SEC conference. This was a significant decline from the previous season, where the Razorbacks had a 2-10 record under former head coach Chad Morris.
However, despite the tough start, Pittman was able to make some positive changes within the program. He brought in a new coaching staff, implemented a new offensive and defensive scheme, and most importantly, instilled a winning mentality within the team. These changes showed promise, with the Razorbacks showing improvement in their performance on the field.
One of the key players who benefited from Pittman’s leadership and coaching was quarterback Taylen Green. The freshman QB was highly recruited and had a lot of expectations riding on his shoulders. And under Pittman’s guidance, he showed tremendous growth and potential, becoming a vital part of the Razorbacks offense.
However, things took a bittersweet turn for Pittman and Green when Green announced his decision to transfer to another school. This news came as a shock to many Razorbacks fans, who saw Green as the future of the program. But despite the disappointment, Pittman remained positive and supportive of Green’s decision.
In an interview, Pittman said, “Taylen is a great kid, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors. We will continue to support him and his decision, and we are confident that he will find success wherever he goes.”
This statement by Pittman shows his character as a coach and a leader. Instead of dwelling on the loss of a talented player, he chose to focus on the positive impact Green had on the program and wished him well for the future.
But the news didn’t stop there for Pittman and the Razorbacks. In a major blow to their playoff hopes, defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman announced his departure from the team to join Notre Dame as their new defensive coordinator. Freeman was highly regarded within the program and was instrumental in the Razorbacks’ defensive success this past season.
This news came as a heavy blow to the Razorbacks, who were hoping to build on their improved defensive performance next season. But once again, Pittman remained positive and focused on finding a suitable replacement for Freeman.
He said, “We are sad to see Marcus go, but we are grateful for everything he has done for our program. We will work hard to find a new defensive coordinator who can continue the success that Marcus brought to our defense.”
Pittman’s positive attitude and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable. He has shown that he is not afraid to make difficult decisions, and he remains committed to the success of the Razorbacks program.
Despite the recent setbacks, there is a lot of optimism surrounding the Razorbacks and their future under Pittman’s leadership. With a solid recruiting class and a strong core of returning players, the team is poised for success in the upcoming season.
Pittman’s dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and he has received support from both fans and players. Senior linebacker Grant Morgan said, “Coach Pittman has been a great leader for us, and we have all bought into his vision for the program. We are excited to work hard and make him proud next season.”
It is evident that Pittman has the support and trust of his players, which is crucial for any successful coach. He has also gained the respect of his peers in the coaching community, with many praising his work ethic and determination to turn the Razorbacks into a winning program.
In conclusion, while Sam Pittman may have found himself on the ‘Scorching Hot Seat’ list earlier this year, he has proven that he is more than capable of handling the pressure and leading the Razorbacks to success. His positive attitude, resilience, and dedication to the program make him the ideal coach for Arkansas, and there is no doubt that he will continue to make them proud in the upcoming season