Sam Pittman was very appreciative of the support he got from Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz this week.

Monday at Pittman’s weekly press conference he expressed his appreciation for the support he got from Drinkwitz earlier that day, after Arkansas announced he’d be returning for another season as the Razorbacks’ head coach.

“He’s a good man. The thing with Drink is you look at him, he came in and had a nice season his first year and then last year he was close,” Pittman said. “2 years ago he was close. Last year finished 6-6 and then this year they have as good a team as we have in the SEC. They stayed with it, and he’s got a lot of seniors on his team and is doing a great job over there. I appreciate him saying that and that’s just a good person saying what he feels.”

Drinkwitz had this to say about Arkansas retaining Pittman eaerlier Monday morning:

“I think that was a smart decision,” Drinkwitz said. “I think Sam Pittman is a heck of a football coach. I think he’s done an outstanding job at the University of Arkansas from when we first came in this league, we both came in together. The resurgence of that program and the job he’s done recruiting, coaching and developing.”

Pittman is in his 4th year in charge of the Razorbacks with a record of 23-24 but only 11-22 against SEC opponents. Arkansas has struggled to a 4-7 this year but have a chance to end on a high note if they can upset Missouri this Friday.

Arkansas hosts Missouri this Friday at 4 p.m. ET on CBS.