In a surprising turn of events, Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek announced on Saturday night that Sam Pittman will remain the head coach of the Razorbacks for the 2024 season. This decision comes after speculation surrounding Pittman's future with the program due to their underwhelming 2-6 (0-5 SEC) start to the season.

Yurachek released a statement on Sunday confirming the news, stating, "Our team was extremely excited last night after the game when I informed them that Coach Pittman is our head coach and will be moving forward into the 2024 season. This has not been the season any of us anticipated. We have work to do. I am confident that together, we can meet the goals and expectations of our program."

Despite a disappointing season with a current record of 4-7 (1-6), the decision to retain Pittman shows the administration's commitment to his leadership and belief in his ability to turn things around. The team's trajectory took a hit this year following the departures of offensive coordinator Kendal Briles and defensive coordinator Barry Odom, but the Razorbacks are determined to reclaim their winning ways.

Pittman, known for his expertise as an offensive line coach, has made a significant impact on the Arkansas program during his four seasons as head coach. He took over in 2020, inheriting a team that had suffered consecutive 2-10 (0-8 SEC) seasons under Chad Morris. Pittman faced the challenge of navigating a 10-game SEC-only season amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, finishing with a 3-7 record but demonstrating improvement and competitiveness.

The momentum continued into the 2021 season, where the Razorbacks finished with a commendable 9-4 (4-4 SEC) record, including a victory in the Outback Bowl against Penn State. However, their struggles in close games surfaced again in the following year. Arkansas experienced losses against Texas A&M, Liberty, LSU, and Missouri by a mere nine points, finishing the season with a 7-6 record and a thrilling Liberty Bowl win over Kansas.

The 2023 season brought even more frustration for the Razorbacks, as they dropped several one-possession contests against BYU, LSU, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Mississippi State during a six-game losing streak in September and October.

One area of concern for Arkansas has been the inconsistent run game and the protection of quarterback K.J. Jefferson, who has faced pressure behind an unproven receiving corps. Pittman will need to address these issues and make adjustments heading into the next season.

Despite the setbacks, Pittman's impact on the program has been undeniable. His unconventional hiring in 2019 as a well-traveled offensive line coach brought hope to a struggling team. Since then, he has brought stability and progress to Arkansas football.

While the razorbacks are guaranteed to miss the postseason this year after back-to-back bowl wins, the decision to retain Pittman for the 2024 season clearly signals the administration's faith in his ability to lead the team back to success. The upcoming offseason will be crucial for making adjustments and preparing for a fresh start in the next year.

As the 2023 season comes to an end, Razorbacks fans eagerly await the team's performance in their season finale against Missouri, where they hope to see glimpses of the team's potential and building blocks for a brighter future under Pittman's guidance.