As the 2024 college football season nears its conclusion, several coaches find themselves under scrutiny regarding their job security. Among them is Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman, whose team currently holds a 5-5 record.
Pittman has been at the helm of the Razorbacks for five seasons, compiling a 28-30 overall record. His second year was his most successful, finishing with a 9-4 record that gave fans hope for the program’s trajectory. However, the subsequent seasons—7-6 in 2022 and 4-8 in 2023—have ramped up the pressure on Pittman heading into 2024.
Early in the season, Pittman seemed to silence some critics with a promising 3-1 start. But since then, the Razorbacks have faltered, going 2-4, leaving them at risk of missing a bowl game for the second consecutive year.
During a recent appearance on the Paul Finebaum Show, SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum shared his perspective on Pittman’s situation. While he doesn’t believe there’s a strong push to fire Pittman, he acknowledged the possibility of such a decision depending on how the season concludes.
“I think firing Sam Pittman is the last thing [athletic director] Hunter Yurachek wants to do,” Finebaum said. “But I do think the way this season ends is fairly important.”
Pittman’s future could also be influenced by financial considerations. According to the Fort Smith Southwest Times Record, Pittman is under contract until December 31, 2026, with $19.9 million owed to him over the next three years. If Arkansas were to part ways with him after this season, he would still be entitled to at least $12.1 million as of December 1.
The Razorbacks have two remaining games to secure bowl eligibility and potentially solidify Pittman’s position. They face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (4-6) this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. ET on SECN+/ESPN+, followed by a road game against the No. 23 Missouri Tigers next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. How these games unfold will likely play a crucial role in determining Pittman’s future at Arkansas.
