Sam Pittman agreed to reduced buyout after being fired by Arkansas, AD says
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Sam Pittman’s final days in Fayetteville didn’t go how anyone hoped they would when he was hired back in Dec. 2019. Despite this, Pittman was clearly grateful for the time he got to spend as the Arkansas Razorbacks‘ head coach. His actions demonstrate it.
On Monday, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek revealed Pittman negotiated a reduced buyout with the Razorbacks. Instead of collecting 75% of his remaining contract, he’s pocketing 62.5%. The difference saves Arkansas roughly $1.5 million dollars.
Pittman, 63, went 32-34 as Arkansas’ head coach. He led the Razorbacks all the way to No. 8 in the AP poll back in 2021, his most successful season with the team. Arkansas defeated Penn State 24-10 in the Outback Bowl that year to finish 9-4. The last time Arkansas won 9 games prior to then was 2011.
With Pittman out of the picture, the Razorbacks are proceeding with offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino — who was their head coach for 4 seasons (2008-11) — as their interim coach.
Petrino’s first game back in the saddle as Arkansas’ head coach comes Oct. 11 at Tennessee.
