For the third time since his arrival at Arkansas, Sam Pittman is being pursued by another school to come coach their offensive line. In 2013, it was Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide that came calling. In 2014, it was Pittsburgh who wanted Pittman, and they were unable to sway (pay) for one of the nation’s best recruiters and offensive line coaches.
It seems that Arkansas’ luck may have finally run out in keeping Pittman on the staff. It is being widely reported that newly hired Georgia offensive coordinator (and former Arkansas Razorbacks OC) Jim Cheney will be taking Sam Pittman to Athens as a part of Kirby Smart’s first staff as a head coach.
This would be a huge loss for Arkansas, as Pittman has recruited and coached the “Largest Offensive Line in Football” for the Hogs. It will also impact our immediate recruiting in a bad way, as Arkansas only has 1 offensive lineman committed for the 2016 class as it stands. And that one recruit, 4 star Iowa guard Jake Heinrich, has already tweeted some…let’s say cryptic…things with the news of Pittman’s impending departure.
In a twisted and unfortunate ironic coincidence, the episode of SOA I was watching last night ended with Jax saying, "Just business." ......
— Jake Heinrich (@JAKEHEINRICH1) December 12, 2015
Pittman is a very good offensive line coach, but he’s an even better recruiter. If he is indeed gone, the Razorbacks will feel his loss immediately. Recruiting these high school players is such a tough and sometimes heartbreaking game. When a coach leaves, some recruits take it really hard and personal. It’s hard to understand that sometimes, a coach has to make a business decision. But I don’t think that’s the case with Pittman. Mostly because, who the hell thought that Jim Cheney would get an SEC job again? His win record as an OC at Tennessee and Arkansas is atrocious! That win record, combined with a brand new first time head coach is not a good business decision. But Sam Pittman and Jim Cheney are BFF’s, and the only reason we have Sam in the first place is because Jim was here.
When you get down to it, the only reason for Sam Pittman to leave is because he wants to coach with his friend. Simple as that. Georgia can’t straight up outbid Arkansas for him. In fact, if Pittman leaves, he’s going to have to pay 250K to do it. He’s set himself up nicely at Arkansas, and the coaches and players have all expressed their heavy desire to see him stay. If it was truly a business decision, then I think Pittman would stay at Arkansas. But it’s more than that for him, it’s a personal one.
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There are a lot of fans who are upset that Pittman didn’t have a non-compete like Enos did. But Pittman was part of the initial wave of hires for Bret Bielema, and non-competes are pretty hard to work into a contract after it’s already been established. Plus, they’re expensive. Kirby Smart had already called Bret Bielema about hiring Dan Enos, so it shouldn’t surprise Hog fans that he’s come back looking to get some of that big boy football that Arkansas has in Athens.
Georgia may be getting a great OL coach, but I think I speak for all of Hog nation when I say “Good luck with Cheney.” There’s a reason that Smart wanted Enos first…he’s better. And Cheney has left a lot to be desired as an OC in my opinion. Which further proves my point that Pittman going would be a personal thing, not as much a professional thing.
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It certainly makes for an interesting off season predicament for Bret Bielema. It’s already halfway through December, and bowl season is just around the corner. He’s going to have to make a move soon, and it’s going to be a very important hire. Bret Bielema has always had a great eye for assistants, that’s why they’re always being poached. It should be an interesting hire, to say the least.
Editor’s Note: Pittman has officially resigned from Arkansas.