The 2025 college football season has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, but one trend that has emerged is the quick trigger on head coaches. In a domino effect, we have seen big names like DeSahun Foster, Sam Pittman, Trent Bray, and James Franklin all being let go from their respective programs. The latest addition to this list is Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, who was shown the exit door following a disappointing 56-13 loss to Notre Dame.
Pittman’s departure from Arkansas has sent shockwaves through the college football world. Many were surprised by the decision, especially considering the fact that Pittman had only been at the helm for three seasons. However, the Razorbacks’ administration felt that a change was necessary in order to turn the program around.
The decision to part ways with Pittman was not an easy one, as he had brought a sense of stability and positivity to the Arkansas football program. He inherited a team that was struggling and managed to turn them into a competitive force in the SEC. Under his leadership, the Razorbacks showed significant improvement and were on the cusp of becoming a top contender in the conference.
But unfortunately, the 2025 season did not go as planned for Arkansas. Despite high expectations, the team struggled to find their footing and suffered several tough losses. The final straw came in the form of a humiliating defeat at the hands of Notre Dame, which ultimately led to Pittman’s dismissal.
While many fans and analysts have criticized the decision to let go of Pittman, there is one person who has come out in support of the move – UNLV head coach Dan Mullen. In his latest public message, Mullen broke his silence on the Arkansas rumors and expressed his admiration for Pittman.
Mullen, who has been a highly successful coach at UNLV, knows firsthand the challenges of leading a football program. He understands the pressure and expectations that come with the job, and he believes that Pittman did an admirable job at Arkansas.
In his statement, Mullen praised Pittman for his dedication and hard work, stating that he has the utmost respect for him as a coach and a person. He also acknowledged the difficult decision that the Arkansas administration had to make and expressed his confidence that Pittman will bounce back and find success in his future endeavors.
Mullen’s words of support for Pittman are a testament to the strong bond and camaraderie that exists among college football coaches. Despite being competitors on the field, they have a deep respect for each other and understand the challenges they face in their profession.
As for Pittman, he has already received interest from several other programs, and it’s only a matter of time before he lands a new coaching job. He may have been let go by Arkansas, but his track record and reputation as a coach speak for themselves. He will undoubtedly have no shortage of opportunities to continue his coaching career.
In the end, the 2025 college football season will be remembered for the trend of quick trigger firings of head coaches. But amidst all the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remains constant – the resilience and determination of these coaches to bounce back and prove their worth. And for Sam Pittman, this is just a minor setback in what promises to be a long and successful coaching career.