Everyone knew Sam Pittman was on the short list for "next coach fired" coming into the Week 5 matchup with Notre Dame. Had Arkansas even made a competitive game of it, Pittman could have bought himself a little time.
But being on the wrong end of a 56-13 beating where even the announcers were commenting how the team had apparently quit, and the fans in the bleachers were chanting for Pittman's dismissal, left the Arkansas brass with little choice.
Pittman's firing was announced Sunday afternoon, which brought a sigh of relief and a note of sadness to many members of the Hog Nation.
Coach Pittman took over Arkansas at what was truly the lowest of the lows. He’s had winning seasons, bowl wins, and at times made Arkansas football look like a contender…for that we should collectively say thank you and genuinely wish him and his family the best. A new chapter🙏🏻
— John 🇺🇸🌲🐗 (@JohnInNH) September 28, 2025
I am going to miss Sam Pittman.
— Joel Norris (@pigskin_frenzy) September 28, 2025
Really liked him. It was time for a change, though.
Let's see who Arkansas gets.
Bobby Petrino will be the interim. #CollegeFootball
Pittman did his part and drug us out of college football hell. But it's clear it had run its course. Go enjoy Hot Springs and the retirement your hard work earned. Thank you coach.
— Pessimistic Razorback (@Jacob_Staley65) September 28, 2025
Thank you Coach Pittman for some of my best college memories.
— The Hogs Probs (@TheHogsProbs) September 28, 2025
Two being 2021 Texas and 2024 Tennessee.
Go Hogs!
While others were in a little more celebratory mood to see coach Pittman get his walking papers.
When I saw Sam Pittman was fired pic.twitter.com/3gMlzXwdeZ
— Im just me (@rob_outlaw) September 28, 2025
Thank you Arkansas for firing Sam Pittman his time was up.
— WaffleEnthusiast (@WaffleHouse12_) September 28, 2025
They got Pittman sorry ass right on up outta there 😂😂😂
— Xigamaruu🩺 (@__xiggy) September 28, 2025
But the promotion of offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino to interim head coach has some Razorback fans wearing a slight grimace.
Petrino has left a path of destruction in his wake at every stop -- including a stint with Arkansas that ended in a shameful chapter for the program, and the memory of a red-faced Petrino making a mea culpa is still fresh in the minds of these fans.
Arkansas is firing Sam Pittman and Bobby Petrino is interim… Harley Davidson of Fayetteville is about to be selling some motorcycles…
— Coach Kevin R Wyatt (@wyatt_r70517) September 28, 2025
Bobby Petrino must do good deeds on the low because he stays getting second changes and blessings. 😂
— writechuzness (@NicciSheWrote) September 28, 2025
I don’t know if I like that Petrino is coaching Arky for the rest of the year
— Richard Johnson (@bigrichjohnson_) September 28, 2025
Bobby Petrino is the smartest snake around. He knew this was coming when he took the OC job.
— McShane Carver (@mcshane_carver) September 28, 2025
There seems to be a running though throughout the Arkansas fan base that if Petrino somehow guides the Razorbacks to a bowl game, the interim tag will be removed and he'll be named the new head coach.
Either way, it's going to be an interesting ride for Hog Nation during the second half of the season. Arkansas next game will be in Knoxville to take on the Vols on October 11, so coach(?) Petrino will have a little time to get his players prepared.