Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Sam Pittman recently reflected on his past discussions with the Tennessee Volunteers, shedding light on a significant chapter in his coaching career. In a candid interview for the *Razorback Report*, Pittman discussed the conversations that nearly saw him join the Vols coaching staff, and how those moments ultimately shaped his path to leading Arkansas football.
Pittman’s history with Tennessee stretches back to his time as an assistant coach, where he developed strong connections within the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Before taking the head coaching role at Arkansas, Pittman was one of the most sought-after offensive line coaches in the country. His success in building powerful offensive fronts made him a hot commodity, and several SEC programs, including Tennessee, took notice.
In the interview, Pittman recalled that the Vols reached out to him multiple times during coaching transitions. Tennessee, a storied program with a passionate fan base, was an attractive option for any coach looking to make a mark in college football. Pittman admitted that the opportunity to coach at Tennessee was tempting, but various factors led him to decline their offers.
One of the most critical moments came when Pittman was approached during the coaching changes following the departure of former Vols coach Butch Jones. Tennessee was in search of a coach who could revitalize their program, and Pittman was high on their list of potential hires. Despite the allure of joining such a historic program, Pittman ultimately decided to remain loyal to Arkansas, where he felt a strong connection to the team and its fan base.
“I have a lot of respect for Tennessee and their football program. It’s a great place, and I know they’ve had some struggles in recent years, but it’s always been a premier job in college football,” Pittman said. “But for me, the opportunity to be a head coach at Arkansas was a dream come true. It was something I couldn’t pass up.”
Pittman went on to emphasize how happy he is with the decision to stay at Arkansas. Since taking over as head coach in 2020, Pittman has revitalized the Razorbacks, leading them to impressive wins and building a competitive program in the tough SEC West. His leadership has brought a new sense of optimism to Fayetteville, and the team continues to improve each season.
Looking back, Pittman believes his discussions with Tennessee were valuable learning experiences, but he feels that everything worked out for the best. His commitment to Arkansas, both as a coach and as a mentor to his players, remains unwavering.
“I’m where I’m supposed to be,” Pittman said. “Arkansas is home, and I’m proud to be a Razorback.”
With the Razorbacks continuing to make strides under Pittman’s leadership, it’s clear that his decision to remain in Fayetteville was the right one for both him and the program. While the Vols may have missed out on Pittman’s expertise, Arkansas is reaping the benefits of his steady guidance and vision for the future.
