Sam Pittman’s resume screams of excellence, but the on-field result in Fayetteville tells a different story. He’s a Joe Moore Award finalist, a Pittsburgh State Athletics Hall of Famer, and a former NAIA All-American – the guy’s earned his stripes. But despite that, last season, Arkansas limped to a 7-6 season. And when their former head coach Bobby Petrino came into the team last year, it felt like they were almost done with Pittman. Now, with the fanbase fuming with rage and patience wearing thin, Pittman had no choice but to deliver because in the SEC, achievements mean nothing if wins aren’t coming in.

Look, Sam Pittman is no newbie to winning. This man knows how to shake things up. Back in 2021, Sam Pittman injected a long-awaited sense of excitement into the Arkansas faithful. He guided the Razorbacks to a 9-4 record, including a 4-4 mark in the SEC, marking only their second eight-win season in the past ten years. They also started last season strong, crushing UA-Pine Bluff 70-0, thanks in part to Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green. Clearly, Pittman isn’t resting on his laurels.

And even Fox Sports analyst RJ Young recognizes Sam Pittman’s caliber, but also drops in a reality check. “I think Sam Pitman has shown over and over again, give him a team that he thinks he can go win with, and he will. He won nine games a couple years ago. Last year they beat Tennessee, who had beaten Oklahoma, who made the college football playoff, then they got absolutely stomped out by an Ole Miss team that ends up getting a win against Georgia,” he said on his Adapt and Respond podcast.

That’s right. After leading, Arkansas ultimately lost to Oklahoma State in overtime, 39-31. They then rebounded with three wins in four games, including a road victory against Auburn and a significant home win over Tennessee. It’s been a mix-and-match season, and the pressure is mounting. Key players like wide receiver Khafre Brown and freshman defensive back Quentin Murphy have transferred, and the schedule is incredibly difficult. The worst part? Sports Illustrated rated their schedule the third toughest in the country, with games against Tennessee, Ole Miss, LSU, and Auburn, plus a demanding two-week road trip to LSU and Texas looming.

But Coach Pittman made sure he didn’t let the portal hamper his team’s turnaround chances. That’s exactly why he added 31 transfers this year, with players like former UCF linebacker Andrew Harris and Texas Permian Basin’s defensive lineman Frank Mulipola. And that’s not an easy task knowing how little Arkansas spends on NIL. Even Young pointed out the same: “Arkansas for me is one of the toughest jobs in college football because they play in the SEC and because they haven’t allowed themselves to spend on par with teams like LSU, Alabama, Tennessee, other programs.” 

Now, fans might force their expectations on Pittman, but if history says anything, it’s that winning at Arkansas is not that easy. “But I would submit to you that the Bobby Petrino era is not indicative of what it’s like to coach at Arkansas, right? There’s a reason why we still raise Frank Broyles up. When you’re able to win a national championship at Arkansas, I think that yeah, you can do whatever you want, and your family can do whatever they want for the time being. Because that’s just not supposed to happen,” Young added.

So, now a championship run or a title could only bring back Pittman’s lost respect because it’s a do-or-die situation for him. But that’s not the only concern looming over his head.

Sam Pittman gives a health update

Sam Pittman didn’t just struggle last season; he battled. The Arkansas head coach was aware he needed hip surgery before the season began, but he postponed it until after the regular season. This meant coaching from a cart, being away from the sideline’s energy, and even calling the Missouri game from a box to avoid any slips. “It’s frustrating when you can’t do what you want to do,” Pittman said. “And guys, to be honest with you, coaching getting off a cart, it’s not the same as being right next to [the players on the sideline]. It’s just not. So yeah, I feel good.”

At 63, Pittman feels revitalized after his surgery. He’s walking and moving better, allowing him to coach the way he wants. Despite the surgery, Pittman still led Arkansas to a Liberty Bowl victory over Texas Tech last December, and he has no plans to slow down. “I’ve got plenty of time. [AD Hunter Yurachek] gives me time off — spring break. Get a few weeks, or two off in the summer,” he said. “I got plenty of time [to] get down the lake, I’m gonna be the head coach right here and win a bunch of games.” It’s classic Pittman: no excuses, no self-pity, just a drive to win and maintain a strong program.

Off the field, Sam Pittman is upholding Arkansas tradition by honoring Darren McFadden with a new approach. Instead of retiring the number, current players wearing No. 5 will sport a ‘DM’ decal with his silhouette. This keeps the legend’s legacy alive while inspiring the next player to wear the jersey. Pittman’s not slowing down; with his hip fixed and his energy renewed, he’s eager to prove he can still make an impact in the SEC.