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Sam Pittman to return as Arkansas football coach, Hunter Yurachek informs team
Posted on 11/19/23 at 10:40 am
Posted on 11/19/23 at 10:40 am
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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."
Posted on 11/19/23 at 10:45 am to RazorHawg
This means after next year we get rid of both HY and SP.
Going into the season with a lame duck HC (who is going to want to be his one year OC) and AD who doesn't have financial support to make a correction after his stupid extension and buyout with all the super seniors.
2 of our first 4 games next season are @ OKST in Stillwater and A&M in Arlington in week 4 for maybe the final time.
Going into the season with a lame duck HC (who is going to want to be his one year OC) and AD who doesn't have financial support to make a correction after his stupid extension and buyout with all the super seniors.
2 of our first 4 games next season are @ OKST in Stillwater and A&M in Arlington in week 4 for maybe the final time.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 10:48 am to RazorHawg
HY hitching his wagon to Pittman. Helluva gamble. By gamble, I mean Pittman will wind up sinking HY also.
There's no reason to believe next season won't be a disaster.
There's no reason to believe next season won't be a disaster.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 11:55 am to RazorHawg
Damn. This year had some pretty good coaching candidates we might actually be able to land too.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 11:56 am to Hawgnsincebirth55
Yes, but do they love the helmet?
Do they want to be here?
Do they want to retire in the next 5 years?
If any of the above is a no, then they aren't for HY and Arkansas.
Do they want to be here?
Do they want to retire in the next 5 years?
If any of the above is a no, then they aren't for HY and Arkansas.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:00 pm to RazorHawg
quote:
The Razorbacks look to carry their momentum into this week's rivalry game against Missouri.
We now live in a world where FIU is considered momentum. This shite is a total joke.
This post was edited on 11/19/23 at 12:01 pm
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:03 pm to boogiewoogie1978
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We now live in a world where FIU is considered momentum. This shite is a total joke.
It's nearly unbelievable, but that is exactly correct.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:06 pm to Hawgnsincebirth55
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This year had some pretty good coaching candidates we might actually be able to land too.
Limited openings in the SEC, too. Aggy is chasing whales and Miss State is your only real competition for candidates.
Traylor, Chadwell, Cignetti, and others all out there to just waiting for bigger jobs and no OC worth his salt (unless maybe he is a lowly paid G5 guy) is going to come be a part of a lame duck staff.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:07 pm to RazorHawg
At the very freakin' least, can we play the best players next year, no matter what year they are or whose arse they kiss?
Augustave hasn't been playing, I've read, because other backs are better blockers.
Are you kiddin' me? Who on offense has blocked anybody all year?
Sategna might not be the best "receiver" we have, but he sure as hell is the fastest guy, meaning he could maybe get some separation, something none of our receivers have been able to get.
I don't know. I'm not a coach or an expert or even a keyboard expert, but good grief, this team, at least on the offensive side, looked like a mismanaged bunch of goobers from start to finish. And, yeah, I know the defense looked much better by comparison, but FIU put up 20 on them, a week after Auburn scored at will.
Augustave hasn't been playing, I've read, because other backs are better blockers.
Are you kiddin' me? Who on offense has blocked anybody all year?
Sategna might not be the best "receiver" we have, but he sure as hell is the fastest guy, meaning he could maybe get some separation, something none of our receivers have been able to get.
I don't know. I'm not a coach or an expert or even a keyboard expert, but good grief, this team, at least on the offensive side, looked like a mismanaged bunch of goobers from start to finish. And, yeah, I know the defense looked much better by comparison, but FIU put up 20 on them, a week after Auburn scored at will.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:09 pm to exiledhogfan
Well, I'm not going to bitch about this for the next year.
If HY is serious and Pittman doesn't turn it around then it'll just be a continuation of the hell we've been living since Bobby got fired.
On the bright side, tickets will probably be cheaper next season and easy to get.
If HY is serious and Pittman doesn't turn it around then it'll just be a continuation of the hell we've been living since Bobby got fired.
On the bright side, tickets will probably be cheaper next season and easy to get.
This post was edited on 11/19/23 at 12:34 pm
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:11 pm to Jack Ruby
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Limited openings in the SEC, too. Aggy is chasing whales and Miss State is your only real competition for candidates.
This is what makes this whole thing more perplexing. Do our money guys even follow the sport? This is a dream year to be in the market. But we’ll piss it away and miss out on our opportunity again.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:16 pm to TheCheshireHog
Money guys don't want to save HY on the extension buyout.
Let him sink with Pittman following next year.
Let him sink with Pittman following next year.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:17 pm to TheCheshireHog
I just don't understand Hunter's belief that Pittman can turn it around, when he's already clearly shown he doesn't know how.
Our losses to BYU, MSU, and Auburn this year weren't losses because "we just don't have the Jimmys and Joes" and got out talented. They were losses due to a complete lack of motivation, playing at home no less. These losses were Pittman's failure to get the team motivated and mentally ready to play, which is 100% on coaching. How does Yurachek believe it'll change next season?
It's just puzzling, the whole situation and the way the statements came out. And then Pittman basically walking it back in his post game presser saying he didn't actually talk to Yurachek about a guarantee or whatever he said?
Just bizarre all the way around
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:25 pm to Hawgnsincebirth55
quote:
Damn. This year had some pretty good coaching candidates we might actually be able to land too.
Not really, every big name is a stretch, but most likely an upgrade over a career offensive line coach that, “didn’t know what to do”.
This post was edited on 11/19/23 at 12:25 pm
Posted on 11/19/23 at 12:46 pm to RazorHawg
Yes, he will return to coach us vs Mizzou on Friday.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 1:05 pm to Jack Ruby
No better time to fire Sam while the year doesn't have as many coaching openings.
He will be fired next year but Arkansas will end up in the coaching search traffic and get another dud.
He will be fired next year but Arkansas will end up in the coaching search traffic and get another dud.
This post was edited on 11/19/23 at 1:07 pm
Posted on 11/19/23 at 1:08 pm to RazorBroncs
Arkansas doesn't want to fire him because Arkansas football has an inferiority complex.
Posted on 11/19/23 at 1:13 pm to RazorHawg
Let me guess, KJ is coming back too?
At least I know next fall is free.
At least I know next fall is free.
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