Sam Pittman addresses retaining two head coach-quality assistants on his staff

Arkansas broke through in 2021 under Sam Pittman. The Razorbacks won nine games, broke into the top 15 of the AP Poll and beat Penn State in the Outback Bowl. Heck of a year two for Pittman and company.

Two important parts of that company are offensive and defensive coordinators Kendal Briles and Barry Odom. Stars in their roles who could be in line for head coaching gigs soon. A development Pittman would be proud of, but dreads.

Here was recently on the Always College Football Podcast speaking on bringing back both coordinators, noting that he fully supports them in any future head coaching opportunities.

“Well, first of all, they know I want them to get a head coaching job. I do. I want them to get a good one, now. You know, I want them to get a good head coaching job. And they know I’d help them as much as possible. If Barry came in and said I got a head coaching job at such and such, I’d be the happiest guy in the whole room. And I’d do the same for Kendal. They know I love them and I love the guys. They’re wonderful men, wonderful family men.”

Pittman went on to explain how his attitude as a coach helps keeps guys wanting to be around his program.

“So I think that’s probably how you retain guys, you know. You talk to them, you treat them like grown men, you bounce things off of them. When they talk, you listen. I can’t be the only talker in the building, you know. I think a great head coach becomes the best listener. Not only to the coaches but to the team. So I think that’s kind of how we’re keeping them.”

Lastly, Sam Pittman emphasized the continuity aspect of retaining Odom and Briles. However, he then discussed how he’ll eventually have to replace them once they move on to better jobs.

“As long as we have them, I think continuity — I’ve seen too many coaches lose their job because they weren’t able to replace somebody. I’ve coached for 30-something years, so I know a whole lot of people. I don’t think I have a whole lot of enemies. So if I do lose some of the guys, hopefully I’ll have enough respect out there where for someone to want to come and work for us. But I hope that day’s a long time down the road.”