Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek issues public support for head football coach Sam Pittman

Sam Pittman will be Arkansas‘ head coach in 2024. On Sunday, athletic director Hunter Yurachek released a statement regarding Pittman’s status with the program.

“Our team was extremely excited last night after the game when I informed them that Coach Pittman is our head coach and will be moving forward into the 2024 season,” Yurachek wrote. “This has not been the season any of us anticipated. We have work to do. I am confident that together, we can meet the goals and expectations of our program. I want to thank the many Razorback fans who have supported our team this season. 1 look forward to honoring our seniors and cheering on this team on Friday as we take on Missouri.”

After defeating FIU 44-20 on Saturday, Arkansas increased its record to 4-7. The Razorbacks are ranked sixth in the SEC West. Pittman is in his fourth season with Arkansas.

In his debut campaign, the Razorbacks struggled, finishing with a 3-9 record. Nonetheless, Pittman showed promise in his second season at the helm, leading Arkansas to a 9-4 record. It was the program’s first nine-win season since 2011.

Since then, Arkansas hasn’t been able to reach the same heights. Last season, the team posted a 7-6 record and 3-5 mark in conference play. This season has been even worse. It wouldn’t be an easy decision to part ways with Pittman.

Sam Pittman is here to stay

According to USA TODAY, the 61-year-old head coach will be owed no less than $16.1 million if the university fires him without cause. Evidently, Arkansas is sticking by Pittman’s side. Not every coach on Arkansas’ staff was so lucky.

After Arkansas’ 7-3 loss to Mississippi State in Week 8, the program fired first-year offensive coordinator Dan Enos. Pittman confirmed he was confident in his return on Saturday following his team’s victory.

“I don’t think I’m getting fired or [athletic director Hunter Yurachek] would have told me I’m getting fired,” Pittman said. “I’m not for sure why I have to answer these questions about getting fired or not. I don’t. We’ll kill recruiting if we keep talking about it. If you’re an Arkansas fan, it’s going to hurt us. Opinions, media has become opinions. I wish we’d post the facts and whatever the facts are, we can deal with it.”

On Saturday, the Razorbacks will square off against No. 11 Missouri at 4 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS.