UPDATE: The University of Arkansas Athletics Department has released a statement confirming Pittman’s selection as the football program’s 34th head coach.
Athletic director Hunter Yurachek praised Pittman’s recruitment abilities, saying that his connections will enable him to build a strong coaching staff and team.
“Sam Pittman has been an integral part of successful teams that have competed at the highest levels, including for SEC and NCAA Championships,” Yurachek said. “As one of the nation’s premier offensive line coaches, he has built a remarkable body of work thanks to his tremendous passion for his student-athletes, including teaching the fundamentals and developing his players on and off the field. Sam instills in his players the motivation, grit and determination required to compete and win. Throughout this process, I heard from many of his former players about the tremendous influence he had on them as a player and as a man.”
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Sam Pittman will be the new head coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team.
Pittman emerged as a leading candidate for the role in a search that included Lane Kiffin and Mike Leach.
Most recently, Pittman has served as the Georgia Bulldogs offensive line coach and associate head coach. He has ties to Arkansas’ program, having served as the assistant head coach, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator under former head coach Bret Bielema from 2013-2015.
The UA Athletics Department has yet to release an official statement, but AD Hunter Yurachek posted a video of red smoke rising from Donald W. Reynolds Stadium, indicating a successor to Chad Morris had been found.
At Georgia, Pittman commanded a $900,000 salary. The terms of Pittman’s employment have not been disclosed yet.
More on this story as it develops…
READ MORE: Trey Biddy and HawgSports