Sam Pittman’s future at Arkansas has once again become a hot topic as uncertainty looms over his role in Fayetteville. Now in his sixth year at the helm, Pittman holds a 30-31 overall record, with just one season finishing in the AP Top 25. Despite his undefeated 3-0 bowl record, concerns resurfaced after a disastrous 2023 campaign that saw Arkansas drop seven of eight SEC matchups. Speculation intensified as he grew older, followed by his hip surgery this offseason.
Speculation Swirls Around Sam Pittman’s Future With Razorbacks
Entering his sixth season in charge of Arkansas football, Sam Pittman remains a figure of both resilience and uncertainty. The Razorbacks improved from a 4-8 record in 2023 to finish 7-6 with a Liberty Bowl victory over Texas Tech. However, struggles in SEC play persisted, with a 3-5 conference mark that included losses to key rivals Texas, LSU and Missouri.
Pittman, who underwent hip replacement surgery following last season, pushed through the 2023 campaign in visible discomfort. Now feeling healthier, the 63-year-old coach has a renewed perspective.
“Part of that saying was the way I looked. I had a hip that was terrible. I probably looked older than I am,” Pittman told On3. “I’ve been out walking two miles a day now, and I feel great. I love my job and this team.”
Despite offseason rumors about potential retirement, Pittman confirmed he plans to coach through the end of his current deal, which runs another three years.
There was speculation last season that Arkansas’ Sam Pittman could retire. He underwent hip surgery this offseason and is now walking 2 miles daily.
“I have three years, and I always said that I wanted to coach through that obligation. After that, I don’t know.”
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— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) May 22, 2025
“Everybody’s got an opinion, mine’s the only one that really matters,” he said. “I said, whenever I signed the contract after the 2021 season, I signed for five more years. And then we won seven-plus games, which was in my contract, one time that I could get an extension. So I have three years, and I always said that I wanted to coach through that obligation. That’s what I want to do, after that, I don’t know.”
Pittman was hired in December 2019 and has compiled a 30-31 record overall, including a 14-28 mark in SEC contests. The highlight of his tenure remains the 2021 season, when Arkansas climbed to No. 8 in the AP poll after early-season wins over Texas and Texas A&M. That team finished 9-4 with an Outback Bowl win against Penn State and a No. 21 final AP ranking.
Since then, the Hogs have posted back-to-back 7-6 seasons sandwiched around a disappointing 4-8 year. Retaining and acquiring talent has been a constant challenge in the NIL and transfer portal era, and Arkansas has seen 77 players exit the program in the last two years alone.
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Recruiting remains an uphill battle, though linebacker Tavion Wallace and in-state quarterback Grayson Wilson highlight a modest 2025 class. With marquee home games against Notre Dame and Texas A&M, and road trips to Tennessee and Texas, the pressure is mounting for Pittman to turn results around.
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