As the 2024 college football season approached, various coaches aimed to escape discussions about their job security. Among them was Sam Pittman, the head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks (5-5).
Pittman has been the head coach at Arkansas for five seasons and has a record of 28-30 during that time. His most successful season was in his second year, when he achieved a record of 9-4, leading fans to believe the program was on the right track. However, in the last two seasons, his records have been 7-6 and 4-8, which has intensified the pressure heading into this season.
After four games, it seemed like Pittman would quiet the critics as the Razorbacks had a record of 3-1. However, they have since gone 2-4 and are at risk of missing a bowl game once again.
On the “Paul Finebaum Show,” SECNetwork analyst Paul Finebaum stated that he does not feel there is a strong desire to remove Pittman from his position. However, he does believe that such a decision could still be made. Finebaum emphasizes the importance of observing how the rest of the season unfolds.
“I think firing Sam Pittman is the last thing he (athletic director Hunter Yurachek) wants to do,” Finebaum said. “I think the way that this season ends is fairly important, though.”
According to the Fort Smith Southwest Times Record, after this season, Pittman will still be owed at least $19.9 million over the final three years of his contract. If he is fired this offseason on December 1, he would receive at least $12.1 million.
Pittman’s contract expires on Dec. 31, 2026. The Razorbacks have a chance to possibly secure his position with their final two games. The first game will be against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (4-6) on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET on SECN+/ESPN+. The final game will be against the No. 23 Missouri Tigers, taking place on the road next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.