Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman is gearing up for the Liberty Bowl on Friday night, where his team will face Texas Tech as the season comes to a close. Pittman, who has led the Razorbacks to a 6-6 record this season, will be on the sidelines with a cane, a result of his recent hip replacement surgery on December 3. Despite making progress in his recovery, he finds the cane a necessary support during the game, referring to it as a “security blanket.”
Pittman, who acknowledges that he could walk without the cane for short distances, expressed that he is feeling better overall and is managing his recovery well. He had been aware of the need for surgery earlier in the summer but chose to wait until after the season to undergo the procedure, resulting in a tough season marked by a noticeable limp that kept him from participating in team traditions, such as ‘running through the A’ at home games.
The 62-year-old head coach didn’t miss any critical preparation time for bowl games or recruiting, although he has reflected that he might have benefited from having the surgery earlier. Pittman described this past season as a struggle, stating, “This season’s been rough just simply because it’s been a little bit, honestly, of survival on the sideline with my hip, which is not fair to the team.”
As he heads into his fifth year with Arkansas, Pittman has a head coaching record of 29-31 and aims to finish this season with a strong performance, seeking a victory in what would be his third bowl game win.
Pittman’s determination and commitment not only to his health but also to his team’s success demonstrate a strong leadership quality that can inspire resilience in both his players and fans. As he steps onto the field, the Arkansas community can rally behind him, hoping for a triumphant conclusion to the season.