Sam Pittman buyout: How much Arkansas would have to pay to fire its head coach
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Sam Pittman took the reins at Arkansas ahead of the 2020 season after Chad Morris was fired with a 4-18 record.
That year, a season abbreviated due to COVID-19, the Razorbacks went 3-7 but ended a 20-game losing streak in SEC play. That was followed by a 9-4 mark in 2021 and a Top 25 postseason ranking.
But the Hogs have failed to truly capitalize on 2021’s success. They went 7-6 in 2022 and 4-8 in 2023, leading to initial calls for Pittman’s dismissal. After Arkansas AD Hunter Yurachek brought him back for 2024, the Razorbacks improved to 7-6.
The sixth-year head coach may have reached the point of no return. After wins over Arkansas State and FCS Alabama A&M, the Razorbacks have lost to Ole Miss and blown an 18-point lead in a loss to Memphis. A 42-13 halftime deficit at home against Notre Dame — with a bye week looming — might have sealed Pittman’s fate barring a dramatic comeback.
What is Sam Pittman’s buyout at Arkansas?
Sam Pittman‘s buyout at Arkansas could be as much as $9.8 million. Here’s why.
Pittman signed a contract extension in spring 2022 after the Razorbacks’ 9-win season, initially extending him to 2026 and automatically extending him to 2027 with the Razorbacks’ 7-win season in 2022.
According to previous reporting from Saturday Down South, if he is fired before his contract’s up, the contract entitles him to 75% of any remaining money he is owed, provided he’s at .500 or better since the start of the 2021 season. If his record is below .500, he’s only owed 50% of his remaining contract.
Heading into Week 5 of the 2025 season, Pittman’s record since 2021 is 29-26. If he is fired with a record at or above .500, he’ll be owed $9.8 million. If he is fired with a record below .500, he’ll be owed $6.9 million.
According to USA TODAY’s salary database, Pittman’s salary was $6.45 million as of Dec. 31, 2024. That doesn’t include $1.45 million in max bonuses.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
