Sam Pittman declares Nick Saban the GOAT, states he 'changed our life'

Nick Saban has Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman‘s vote for greatest coach of all time. At the 2024 SEC Media Days, Pittman raved about the impact the former Alabama head coach has had on his life and college football, as a whole.

“Coach Saban’s interest in me, changed Jamie and I’s life,” Pittman said. “It changed our life financially, changed our life in myself having confidence in my ability.”

In 2013, Arkansas hired Pittman to be the program’s offensive line coach. Less than a year later, Saban contacted Pittman, asking if he would be interested in serving in the same role for the Crimson Tide. Pittman ultimately declined but he’s never forgotten Saban’s confidence in him.

In 2016, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart hired Pittman to be the Bulldogs’ offensive line coach. Smart spent eight seasons under Saban at Alabama. Pittman doesn’t believe it’s a coincidence Smart hired him when he gained a head coaching role.

“I think there is a reason why I went and worked for Kirby at Georgia. Had a lot to do with Coach Saban,” Pittman said. “Coach Saban is the GOAT and he is someone that our league is going to miss dearly.”

In 2020, Pittman left Georgia to take over at Arkansas. In his four subsequent meetings against Saban, Pittman went 0-4. Nonetheless, Pittman holds no grudge against the legendary head coach. Evidently, Saban wasn’t afraid to share the secrets to his success, either.

“Whenever I went to the head coach’s meeting, it goes in alphabetical order and I sit right next to Coach Saban,” Pittman said. “I’m not saying he took me under his wing, but I was nervous sitting next to him. I’m sure I asked him more questions than what he might have wanted to answer. But he answered every one of them.”

Sam Pittman hopeful for bounce-back season

Pittman will look to use Saban’s lessons in the upcoming season. Arkansas posted a 4-8 overall record and a 1-7 mark in conference play in the 2023 campaign — Pittman’s worst record against SEC foes in his four yearsat the helm of the Razorbacks.

Pittman believes his program is poised for a bounce-back season.

“The 2024 season is a fresh start,” Pittman said. “We’ve been working tirelessly to address the areas that we need improvement. Our players have shown remarkable resilience and commitment this offseason.

“Our focus is to embrace the hog, which means we need to be tough, we need to be together. We need to be consistent, accountable and do it with pride. I think we’ve accomplished that this summer. We’ve accomplished that through spring ball.”