By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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Long regarded as one of the premier assistant coaches in the country, former Georgia offensive line coach Sam Pittman is now the head man at Arkansas.

Long regarded as one of the premier assistant coaches in the country, former Georgia offensive line coach Sam Pittman is now the head man at Arkansas. Pittman, a veteran position coach and renowned recruiter, was with Bret Bielema’s Razorbacks from 2013-2015 as an assistant head coach and offensive line coach before joining Kirby Smart in Athens. Among other stops and the aforementioned, Pittman has previous stints at Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, North Carolina and Tennessee. Few are more experienced or respected.

Pittman’s re-introduction in Fayetteville comes with credibility.

Recently, Pittman has been a key part of Smart’s success with Georgia, both on and off the field. As the Bulldogs have made three consecutive SEC Championship Games, held an overtime lead in a College Football Playoff Final and are now making a second straight Sugar Bowl appearance, Pittman has been a leading name. His role on Smart’s staff has been an important and dynamic one, blending specific expertise with broad expectations.

To a consensus, Pittman’s Georgia offensive lines have been the game’s modern standard, with the Bulldogs’ current front standing as one of just four units in the country giving up less than one sack per game and last year’s group paving the way for a running game that ranked seventh nationally with 5.9 yards per carry; two seasons ago, with Pittman’s offensive line serving as the foundation for Georgia’s identity, Nick Chubb and Sony Michel became the most productive rushing duo in FBS history. Pittman has helped the Bulldogs win with a physical, purposeful style.

The last few years have seen Pittman emerge as one of the nation’s premier recruiters. Georgia’s last three recruiting classes have eached ranked in the national top three, including a historic top-ranked haul in 2017. Pittman has consistently helped the Bulldogs sign a number of the top offensive linemen in the country, a cycle of recruiting-and-development that has helped produce championship results. Given his track-record on the trail, Pittman is a known and established name across the southeast.

What Pittman did, pre-Georgia, at Arkansas is also a big part of his brand. His first two offensive lines with the Razorbacks led the SEC in sacks allowed per game and all three units helped pave the way for rushing games that ranked in the top five in the league. Pittman’s last year in Fayetteville, Arkansas finished second in the league in total offense and scoring offense. He helped Arkansas make consecutive trips to the Texas and Liberty Bowls.

With experience at four different schools now in the SEC, Pittman is well-aware of the opportunity and pressure that comes with coaching in college football’s premier conference. He, as mentioned, has recently helped Georgia compete at the highest level, an achievement which has helped expand his profile. Pittman, most critically, knows the culture at Arkansas; in fact, he is part of it. Taking over the Razorbacks, Pittman knows what to expect and what it takes to win.

Relationships, for Pittman, have been an important part of his career. He is appreciated within the coaching commnuity and beloved by his players, even those from years ago. Pittman’s personability has underlined all that he has done. Those bonds will only strengthen Pittman’s position as one of the 14 high-profile head coaches in the SEC. As he takes over his own program, many, throughout the game, are rooting for him.

Moving forward, look for Arkansas to build from the line of scrimmage up. Pittman, a former All-American defensive end at Pittsburg State, has a history of winning in the trenches. Expect his teams to be physical and fundamentally-sound, talented and confident. Given the Razorbacks’ tradition of such play, Pittman, even beyond his familiarity, fits right in.

Arkansas went out and got a known name to fill its coaching vacancy. Most importantly, the Razorbacks got their man.