Remember the time when the $11.5 million worth Arkansas Razorbacks sought help from an NFL program’s GM? We are talking about Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. After all, he grew up in Little Rock and was a member of the team’s 1964 National Championship squad as a co-captain. Sadly, Arkansas HC Sam Pittman’s efforts went in vain, as Jones refused to assist them with the NIL funds. But looks like the program has nothing to worry about anymore. After all, as per the recent NIL developments, the fund will be taken care of. However, this might leave the 63-year-old coach at the edge of losing his role.   

The pending House v. NCAA settlement has been preliminarily approved. It allows schools to pay student athletes directly through NIL or other revenue sharing. The preliminary timeline is a 10-year revenue-sharing plan. Based on this, many programs have decided to allocate $15 to $17 million to their football programs alone. Compared to the rest of their SEC rivals, Pittman’s program struggled with NIL. As Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek stated, “It’s been awful. NIL, the way it was intended, the way it was intended July 1st of 2021.” Even though they have their own NIL collective in Arkansas Edge, it failed to generate hype. So, on That SEC Football Podcast, the host had one question, “If that were to happen, does that help Arkansas that they’re on more of a level playing field when it comes to acquiring talent?”

The guest of the evening Tye Richardson did not sound much confident, “It’s just a matter of like do you trust Sam Pittman and his staff to make the most accurate decisions when it comes to evaluating a roster?” Now that is indeed a big question. After all, the Razorbacks had just finished a disappointing 4-8 season. And do you know that’s the worst since the 2020 season? Five years back, they finished 3-7. However, Pittman was able to save his job after achieving a 7-6 season with a victory in the Liberty Bowl against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in 2024. 

However, Pittman’s time is running out. As Richardson sounded the alarm for the HC, “He did this not-a-man thing and hadn’t worked and it’s been a failure. Your football team doesn’t have that luxury. You’re in what year? Six. You miss, it could result in they can let go, coach.” Maybe Paul Finebaum too has lost trust from Pittman.

ESPN analyst sprinkles salt on Sam Pittman’s wounds  

On the Paul Finebaum Show, the ESPN analyst had been discussing coaches on the hot seat for next year. That’s when he made a bold remark about the Razorbacks HC. “I forgot he was in trouble. That guy has been living on the hot seat the last three years,” said Finebaum. Now can the analyst be blamed for being harsh? Definitely not. 

Pittman’s record at Arkansas is 30-31. The Southwest Times came up with a calculation. If the HC’s record is .500 or better, then his buyout will be 75% of his remaining base salary and supplemental compensation. Now if it goes the other way around, falling below .500, then the buyout will be 50% of his base salary. Looks like Finebaum’s comment on Pittman being “on borrowed time” is true.

The Arkansas HC’s contract runs until December 31, 2027. However, Sam Pittman has already buckled up to bolster his roster. The 2026 quarterback commit Jayvon Gilmore has received a visit from Pittman. Plus, the Razorback hosted the junior defensive lineman, Kamhariyan Johnson. Junior defensive end Jamarion Matthews also received a visit from Razorbacks coaches. Will Sam Pittman be able to cool down the heat under his seat?