FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KAIT) – There’s a coaching change on The Hill.
Sam Pittman is out as Arkansas head football coach. The Razorbacks dropped their 3rd straight game, falling to #22 Notre Dame 56-13. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino will serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek released the following statement:
“I want to thank Coach Pittman for his service and dedication to the University of Arkansas throughout his time as head coach. From Day 1, you could tell how much this opportunity meant to him. At this time, however, I feel a change is necessary to put our student-athletes and program in the best position to be successful. The goal for our football program is to be highly competitive within the Southeastern Conference and compete for a national championship. As we move forward in the process of finding our next head coach, I am certain we will be able to provide the necessary resources to our staff and team to reach our goals. We will begin a national search for our next head coach immediately and that search will include Coach Petrino, who has expressed his desire to be a candidate for the full-time job.”
Pittman was in his 6th season as head coach, he finishes with a record of 32-34. The Razorbacks won 3 bowl games during his tenure. Arkansas started 2-0 in 2025, but losses to Ole Miss, Memphis, and Notre Dame sparked the change. It’s reported that Pittman’s buyout is over $9 million.
Yurachek and Petrino will have press conferences Monday at noon in Fayetteville.
Arkansas is on a bye week; they’ll play at #15 Tennessee on October 11th.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders released the following statement on the leadership change:
“Sam Pittman helped turn around the Arkansas football program from one of its all time lows and brought energy and excitement back to the Hogs that was desperately needed. I’ve always appreciated how much Sam loved Arkansas and wasn’t looking to use it as a stepping stone but a place to call home. Sam is a man of high integrity and character. Bryan and I have loved getting to know him and Jamie and we are proud to call them friends.“
“Bobby Petrino has demonstrated a track record of winning at Arkansas and we hope he can bring the team together and lead them to finish the season strong. We will be cheering Bobby and the Razorbacks on!”
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