The Georgia football program has an opening.
Sam Pittman was named head coach of Arkansas on Sunday night, departing Georgia where he served as offensive line coach for the past three seasons.
News surfaced Sunday afternoon that Pittman was a serious candidate for the vacant Arkansas position. In the evening, Arkansas Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek posted the announcement on social media with Pittman.
A tweet read: “Excited to OFFICIALLY announce Sam Pittman as our new Head Football Coach. Great days ahead for the Hogs with Sam and Jamie as a part of the Razorback family again #OneRazorback!”
The post also included a video with the two holding an Arkansas football helmet and saying ‘Go Hogs! Yes sir!”
Pittman, 58, had been at Georgia since the start of the 2016 season. He received a salary increase and the title of associate head coach under Kirby Smart last season. Pittman has been credited with the strength of Georgia’s recruiting of offensive linemen.
Pittman was the assistant head coach, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Arkansas from 2013-15 before joining Georgia. Pittman has also coached at Tennessee and North Carolina.
Smart would not confirm reports of Pittman’s possible departure on Sunday during a conference call with reporters regarding Georgia’s invitation to the Sugar Bowl.
“That's always the nature of the beast,” Smart said. “You always hear rumors flying around. You don't ever know what’s true and what’s not. Right now we’re focusing on the Sugar Bowl and getting ready for it.”
Arkansas fired Chad Morris earlier this season after less than two years at the school.
