ESPN Announcer Not Completely Right About Conversation?

Saying Sam Pittman's job safe not something Razorbacks' coach remembers happening

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Nov 19, 2023 12:36 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — ESPN's Rod Gilmore said at the beginning of the broadcast that Arkansas coach Sam Pittman's job is not on the line ahead of their game against Florida International. He said the coach told him he and athletics director Hunter Yurachek "had a two-hour meeting this week" and the Arkansas coach was confident in saying he's not getting fired this year.

“I don’t remember having that conversation with those guys," Pittman said when asked about it in his postgame with the media. "When we start talking about firing and all of that, it kills us in recruiting. Especially when we fabricate stories. I don’t think I’m getting fired, guys. Otherwise [Hunter Yurachek] would have told me I’m getting fired."

So, it turns out that may not have been completely accurate, although Pittman sounds confident he's not going to get canned this year. After an embarrassing effort in a 48-10 loss to Auburn last week, several reports from the media and other outlets reported that Pittman was set to be fired.

Despite all the speculation, the week went as scheduled with all normal activities completed with Pittman still performing regular duties. Following Arkansas' 44-20 victory over FIU on Saturday, Pittman met with the media and was notified of Gilmore's report. Yurachek was in the press conference, sitting in the back.

The Razorbacks failed to get off to a fast start against the Panthers on Saturday finding themselves behind 13-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Razorbacks wound up finding their groove offensively, compiling a season high 507 yards of offense.