Sam Pittman evaluates how KJ Jefferson has handled the 2023 season

Coming into the season there were relatively high expectations for Sam Pittman and the Arkansas Razorbacks. That was, in large part, because of the experience that KJ Jefferson brings to Arkansas at the quarterback position.

Of course, it’s been a disappointing season and Arkansas is going to miss out on going to a bowl this year. After the FIU game, Pittman explained that Jefferson has handled the season well and praised him for what he’s meant to the program.

“I think he’s handled the season well,” Sam Pittman said. “He competed tonight for us and for the team, and I’m really happy we recognized him after the game about being the all-time passing yard leader and passing touchdowns. I hope, I know it meant a lot to him. It meant a lot to us that we’ve been able to have him for four years now.”

KJ Jefferson broke the all-time passing yards and passing touchdowns records against FIU. He’s now first in program history with each, at 7,909 yards passing and 67 touchdowns. Tyler Wilson and Brandon Allen previously held those records at Arkansas. He’ll have one more game to build on those records.

Sam Pittman has seen the impact that KJ Jefferson has had on the program, praising him for it.

“Feleipe Franks was here tonight, too. That was cool for him to come back to witness that all that kind of stuff, too. I know it wasn’t his record, but it was neat he was able to come back. KJ’s meant a lot to our program. He’s going to mean a lot Friday, too. Just really, really happy for him.”

Next week, Arkansas is going to take on Missouri. A bowl isn’t on the table for the Razorbacks. However, Arkansas still has the chance to spoil Missouri’s chance at a 10-win season.

Sam Pittman doesn’t think he’s getting fired

It’s been a frustrating season where Arkansas is going to miss a bowl game. Undeniably, that’s below expectations. Despite that, Sam Pittman doesn’t think that he’s going to get fired.

“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.”