MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Sam Pittman, the head coach of Arkansas football, will be sporting a new accessory during the Liberty Bowl this Friday night. The Razorbacks (6-6) are set to compete against Texas Tech (8-3) as they wrap up the 2024 season. Recently, Pittman underwent a hip replacement surgery on December 3, and he will be using a cane on the sidelines to assist him. While he reports feeling good and making strides in his recovery, the cane remains necessary for longer periods of standing.
“I can walk without a cane about 20 yards, maybe,” Pittman said earlier in the week. “I’ll have it on the sideline just as a security blanket, maybe because I need it, I don’t know, but I am sleeping a lot better.”
Pittman recognized the need for surgery last summer but chose to postpone it until the end of the season. He has been playing through discomfort, evidenced by a noticeable limp throughout the season, which prevented him from participating in the Razorbacks’ traditional ‘running through the A’ ceremony during home games.
At 62 years old, the head coach expressed a challenging season, describing it as somewhat of a struggle due to his hip condition. However, he managed to continue coaching without missing out on bowl game preparations or recruiting efforts, although he noted that he wished he had opted for surgery sooner.
“This season’s been rough simply because it’s been a little bit, honestly, of survival on the sideline with my hip, which is not fair to the team,” he stated. “When you’re hurt, you’re hurt.”
In their regular-season finale, Pittman coached from the booth, which resulted in a 28-21 loss to Missouri. As he completes his fifth year with Arkansas, Pittman holds a record of 29-31 with the program, and he is aiming to secure his third bowl game victory.
As Pittman faces the challenges of recovery while leading his team into their final game of the season, fans and players alike will undoubtedly rally behind him, drawing inspiration from his resilience and dedication to the Razorbacks. This spirit of perseverance can serve as a positive message, highlighting the strength of teamwork and the commitment required to overcome obstacles—both on and off the field.