Sam Pittman to return as Arkansas football coach, Hunter Yurachek informs team

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Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek informed Razorbacks players and staff that the program is sticking with Sam Pittman as the team’s head coach, Matt Zenitz reported. The decision follows Arkansas improving to 4-7 with a 44-20 win over FIU on Saturday.

Pittman has amassed a 23-24 record over four seasons with the Razorbacks, including seasons of nine and seven wins in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Reports surfaced that Pittman was a candidate to be fired since the 48-10 home loss to Auburn last week. He addressed those rumors after the win over FIU.

“I don't think I'm getting fired, or (Yurachek) would have told me I'm getting fired,” Pittman said. “I'm not sure why I have to answer these questions about fired or not, but I think it will kill recruiting if we keep talking about it. If you're an Arkansas fan, it's going to hurt us… When we fabricate stories and put it out, it kills us in recruiting. When we give opinions about who is coming in and those type of things, it kills us. I've got a wife, and she's a human being.”

Brandon Marcello reported earlier this week that Arkansas will overhaul its staff outside of Pittman, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Razorbacks' scoring offense ranks No. 66 in the nation (27.7 avg.), leading the program to part ways with offensive coordinator Dan Enos after the 7-3 loss to Mississippi State on Oct. 21.

"At the very least, Arkansas is going to be making some huge changes on that staff," Marcello said. "Particularly on the offensive side. A lot of position coaches and, of course, a new coordinator is likely coming in."

Marcello reported that a "lackluster performance" could "spell doom" for Pittman. The Razorbacks responded with their biggest win against a Power Five opponent this season, racking up a season-high 510 yards of offense while allowing their fourth-fewest yards of the year. Quarterback KJ Jefferson took sole possession of Arkansas' all-time career passing touchdowns and passing yards records with 187 yards and three scores.

The Razorbacks look to carry their momentum into this week's rivalry game against Missouri. Win or lose, Pittman said he doesn't anticipate a mass exodus in the transfer portal this offseason.

"I don't see anything like that," Pittman said Wednesday. "We pretty much know. At this point in the season, you can tell by mannerisms who may go into the portal and who may not. The kids want to be here, and they don't want to leave. They've had some success, and they want to go back and prove that we can have it again. I think a high majority of those guys could come back."

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