I like Sam.

Sam is just another used car salesman. The guy is completely full of shite and doesn't give a damn about Arkansas.

Sam can be a nice guy and still despise him as our coach

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Sam is nothing like how he acts in front of the media.

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Oh, I think we've gotten a few sneak peaks into the real Sam when things aren't going right and a media member asks anything close to a challenging question.

I think a lot of the "public Sam" is a well rehearsed persona, kind of like a wrestler.

Once we warmed to the idea of a position coach running our program, Hog Nation showed him a lot of love his first two seasons. He was a humble, decent man who genuinely loved our state and said most of the right things. We shrugged, jumped aboard and said ‘let’s see what happens’. Then he became OUR 9-4 position coach. He basked in the love. It’s like he never even considered or anticipated how we would react if things went south. Now that the wheels have come off, the whole ‘aw shucks’ shtick is offensive (no pun intended). We want and need substance. Unfortunately, it ain’t there and never has been. The emperor has no clothes.

This experiment was doomed from the beginning.

The Sexton factor is real. Making more money than you ever dreamed you would can ruin you….at least for awhile until you realize what actually matters. Thinking you have it all figured out and working, then having it fall apart is devastating (all golfers know this). Being cruelly mocked on SM eats at your soul.

I like the Sam we hired and the first three years Sam. Since we ain’t gonna let him retire, then I sure hope we hire some great “analysts” who were former HCs ala Saban, can Kennedy yesterday, and make the best OC hire ever.

Then we gotta find money to pay some players.

Alas….it ain’t gonna happen. My Saturdays are going to remain free.

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To be fair, it could have been just an off day for him. Hell, I don't even mind if you're an a-hole 24/7 if you're winning. It's just always made me question the "good ole Sam" thing

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Enh, I've mostly heard the opposite from folks around here. Briles could be a douche, Pittman is pretty easy to get along with.

Which doesn't matter. Look, Pittman would make a great neighbor. I don't think he makes a good head coach and I don't think he can learn to be one. Some skills you need to learn before you turn 60.

It is a question of money. The guy who is the third shift manager at the Alma Walmart might be able to keep his job by being a great guy and kind of lousy at being a manager, but we pay Sam more money in one year than that hypothetical manager will make in his life. To whom much is given much is expected.

Maybe he will prove me wrong, and I'd be thrilled if he did, but Pittman is looking like an increasingly poor return on investment going into next year.