Total Optimistic Take From SEC Podcaster About Hogs' Pair of Coordinators

'That SEC Podcast' host Mike Bratton says Pittman might have best pari of coordinators in conference

Arkansas Razorbacks linebackers and defensive coordinator Travis Williams reacts during drills in fall practice in August on the outdoor practice fields in Fayetteville, Ark. / Andy Hodges-Hogs on SI Images

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — When it comes to being a successful businessman, one major key is surrounding yourself with great employees.

For Arkansas Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman, he has done a solid job of knowing where and when he needs help and compensates for that with coaching hires. As a lifer offensive line coach, he knew the need for an assistant on staff with head coaching experience to lean on and did that with former defensive coordinator Barry Odom, now at Purdue and again with offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.

Pittman's coaching hot seat cooled tremendously with a victory in the 2024 AutoZone Liberty Bowl to finish 7-6 overall. There were points that his team also beat themselves with opportunities in several games including Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Missouri that could've put a cherry on top of what could have been a very special season.

"I think the first thing is, the vibe [for 2025] is totally different," That SEC Podcast host Mike Bratton said Jan. 27. "Certainly, Sam Pittman has a lot to prove again in 2025, but at least Arkansas had a winning season. They got to a bowl game. The Hot Seat talk is a little quieter this offseason. He's shown to be incredible at times."

While Pittman says he provides plenty of input to his coordinators game plans, like any good boss should, he still maintains his assistants mostly have free reign to coach and direct players as needed. Petrino proved he still has the juice, dramatically improving Arkansas' offense over 90 spots in total offense in Year 1 with Taylen Green at quarterback.

"I think Arkansas may have, I'm not saying without a shadow of a doubt, but I think they may have the best pairing of coordinators in the conference," Bratton said.

With a new crop of receivers transferring in, there is a slight unknown as to how dynamic his offense can be. Just like he has shown the past two seasons, at Texas A&M in 2023 and last season, he adapts to the type of players inherited, which is an old school coaching trait.

Defensive coordinator Travis Williams likely won't find himself on any Top 25 assistant lists as he begins his third season at Arkansas, but has also done enough to inspire confidence from Bratton. Williams' exudes confidence, full of charisma and brings a physical brand of football to the field which is needed in his league.

YEAH COACH‼️

Y’all been asking me when, it’s only right I deliver! pic.twitter.com/xZ8mmcB5RF

— Coach T-Will (@T_WILL4REAL) July 26, 2024

Despite taking a step back in the secondary, Arkansas improved immensely against the run finishing No. 7 in the SEC at 127 rushing yards allowed per game in 2024.

"So I think you have to like staff continuity at the key spots," Bratton said. "Also, they're bringing in basically a transfer pretty much at every position. That number one, fortifies depth, but also their track record of getting the most out of these guys, and that plays into the coordinators. [Pittman] trusts Travis Williams and Petrino to get the most out of this class."

HOGS FEED:

• Hogs' new starting catcher hoping to maintain rediscovered swing

• Kentucky fans can have their day, just let Hogs fans know about it later

• Breaking Video: Calipari talks to Hogs in Rupp Arena Friday

• 'A Homecoming Like No Other' Will Have Nation Watching

• Were Razorbacks simple convenient way out for Calipari

• Which True Freshmen Make Instant Impact For Razorbacks in 2025?

• Razorbacks NIL raffle bill hits minor snag but still on track

• Subscribe and follow us on YouTube
• Follow HogsSI on X and Facebook