Arkansas AD Announces Sam Pittman Will Return in 2024, and Razorbacks Fans Aren’t Happy

The Razorbacks coach is 23–24 in four seasons at Arkansas.

Arkansas improved its overall record to 4–7 after a nonconference 44–16 win over FIU in Week 12 of the 2023 season. However, the Razorbacks’ record in the SEC is a disappointing 1–6.

Athletic director Hunter Yurachek announced Sunday afternoon that head coach Sam Pittman is returning for the 2024 season. Standing by the coach is an important vote of confidence and the players were excited about the news, according to Yurachek. 

However, many Arkansas fans didn’t respond with the same enthusiasm. Check out some of the responses to the AD’s announcement. 

Thanks for showing the fans that you don’t care about the football program

— Jamie Ballard (@jamieballard501) November 19, 2023

We are a program that just a touch over a decade ago was on the verge of both SEC and National Title contention. Now we are moving into permanent irrelevance thanks to weak leadership and backwoods $$$ men.

— Storm Chaser Sidney Grimmett (@WxSidneyG) November 19, 2023

This fan base deserves so much better. Pathetic

— ItMeHunt (@MrJohnnyUtah) November 19, 2023

So what are the expectations? Went backwards ever since you gave that guy a raise and extension he didn’t earn or deserve. So is it wins and competing for a championship? You and SP have shown that it’s not. So you can expect to be gone with him after next season. This is on you.

— David Elam (@davidelam871e) November 19, 2023

With respect, this is absolutely the wrong decision. If you want to turn the entire fanbase against you and the HC, that’s your prerogative. We’ll get what we deserve and you’ll be looking for a new HC a year later than you should have. Sad day for a once-proud program.

— Tyler Davis (@TylerDavis93) November 19, 2023

Arkansas would have owed Pittman, 61, a $16 million buyout if he was fired at the end of this season. (That may not look like much in comparison to what Texas A&M paid to dismiss Jimbo Fisher, but it’s a significant sum for nearly every other program.) Last year, the coach agreed to a new contract paying him more than $6 million per year that extended through 2026. 

During his four seasons in Fayetteville, Pittman has compiled a 23–24 record which includes bowl berths in 2021 and ’22. 

Offensive coordinator Dan Enos was fired after a 7–3 loss to Mississippi State in Week 8 and the team responded with a win at Florida two weeks later. However, the Razorbacks haven’t progressed as most fans hoped they would after Pittman replaced Chad Morris in 2020, and took a step back this season.

Arkansas hosts No. 10 Missouri (9–2) this coming Friday for its final game of the season.