When Sam Pittman took over the Arkansas Razorbacks football program in December 2019, he inherited a team that had endured one of the roughest stretches in school history. Coming off back-to-back 2-10 seasons, including a winless 0-16 mark in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the task ahead for Pittman was monumental. Yet, with his commitment to the program and his player-focused approach, Pittman quickly instilled a renewed sense of hope among Razorback fans.
Now, with a few seasons under his belt, it’s worth examining Pittman’s SEC record compared to previous Arkansas coaches. This comparison sheds light on the progress Arkansas has made under Pittman’s leadership while contextualizing his achievements within the storied Razorbacks football history.
Before Pittman, Arkansas football was in a precarious position. Bret Bielema, who led the program from 2013 to 2017, was ultimately dismissed after struggling to find consistency in the SEC, finishing with a 10-26 conference record. Although Bielema led Arkansas to three bowl appearances and some notable wins, his tenure ended on a low note, as the Razorbacks went 4-8 in 2017, including a 1-7 SEC record.
Following Bielema’s departure, Arkansas turned to Chad Morris, but his two-year stint (2018–2019) was nothing short of disastrous. Morris went 0-14 in SEC play, finishing with a 4-18 overall record. His tenure represented one of the darkest chapters in Arkansas football history and set the stage for Pittman to take on a near-complete rebuild of the program.
Pittman’s arrival in Fayetteville immediately brought a different atmosphere. Known for his emphasis on team culture, relationship-building, and strong recruiting ties, Pittman’s impact was evident early. Despite a pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he guided the Razorbacks to a 3-7 record, including three SEC wins. While a 3-7 record might not seem extraordinary, it was significant for a program that had just endured two winless SEC seasons under Morris. Pittman’s debut season featured wins over Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Tennessee, signaling that Arkansas was on the right track.
In 2021, Pittman took another step forward. The Razorbacks finished the season with an overall 9-4 record, going 4-4 in SEC play. Notably, Arkansas defeated Texas A&M, ending a nine-game losing streak to the Aggies, and also scored wins over Texas, Mississippi State, and LSU. The 2021 campaign marked Arkansas’ best season in nearly a decade, culminating in a victory over Penn State in the Outback Bowl. This strong performance showcased Pittman’s ability to elevate Arkansas’ competitive standing in the brutal SEC West division.
However, the 2022 season proved challenging as Arkansas finished 7-6 with a 3-5 SEC record. While the team showed flashes of promise, inconsistency plagued their season. Injuries and close losses in conference games tested Pittman’s squad, highlighting the ongoing work required to compete consistently in the SEC.
By SEC standards, Pittman’s conference record—currently 10-20—is an improvement over the struggles faced during Morris’ tenure, but he still has work to do to catch up to other notable Arkansas coaches. Here’s a breakdown of how Pittman’s SEC record compares with his predecessors over their first three seasons:
– **Houston Nutt (1998-2007)**: Nutt made a strong start in his first three seasons, finishing with a 17-7 SEC record. He led Arkansas to two SEC West titles and four bowl games in his first five seasons, setting a high bar for future coaches.
– **Bobby Petrino (2008-2011)**: Petrino took time to build his program but ended up with a 10-14 SEC record in his first three seasons. His success peaked in 2011, when Arkansas went 11-2 overall and finished in the top 5 nationally. Petrino’s offensive schemes were a highlight of his tenure, although his off-field controversies eventually led to his departure.
– **Bret Bielema (2013-2017)**: Bielema struggled to adapt his ground-and-pound philosophy to the SEC’s speed and athleticism. He went 7-17 in SEC play during his first three years but did experience some high points, including bowl game appearances and a few upsets against SEC opponents.
Pittman’s conference record so far (10-20) sits below that of Nutt and Petrino, although it’s better than what Bielema and Morris managed in their first three years. Pittman has shown progress in revitalizing the program, but his record underscores the difficulty of consistently winning in the SEC West.
Pittman’s journey is uniquely challenging due to the SEC West’s perennial strength. Programs like Alabama, LSU, and Texas A&M invest heavily in recruiting and resources, and the recent resurgence of teams like Ole Miss and Mississippi State adds to the competitiveness. Facing these powerhouses annually means that any sustained success in SEC play requires not only strong coaching but also significant depth and talent.
Recruiting, player development, and instilling a winning culture remain Pittman’s focus as he continues to build Arkansas into a consistent contender. His efforts in recruiting have already started to pay dividends, with highly regarded classes coming into Fayetteville and bolstering the team’s depth.
The future of Arkansas football under Pittman appears promising. While his SEC record reflects the challenges he’s faced, it also highlights steady improvement. The team’s growth in competitiveness, coupled with Pittman’s player-focused approach, suggests that Arkansas could soon become a more consistent force within the SEC. However, achieving sustained success will require continued development, top-notch recruiting, and adapting to the ever-evolving SEC landscape.
Pittman’s legacy will likely hinge on his ability to lead Arkansas to consistent bowl games and, ideally, compete for SEC West titles. While his record may not yet rival those of Houston Nutt or Bobby Petrino, Pittman’s impact on Arkansas football has been transformative. As he enters future seasons, the Razorback faithful remain hopeful that he’ll further solidify his place among the program’s greats, bringing pride and competitiveness back to Razorback football.