It's Time for Pittman to Open Up

Arkansas Razorback football could use positive vibes created by offering more access this spring

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Feb 20, 2024 8:46 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas coach Sam Pittman has mustered a small flame of excitement from within a once bitter fan base. However, if he wants to build it into a roaring fire, he is going to have to get a little uncomfortable.

Last season ended with the doors to the Razorbacks' kingdom as locked as they could be. Pittman was in full bunker mentality following the dismissal of his offensive coordinator Dan Enos.

It made sense at first. If they were going to change the offense, he wanted the ability to both protect trade secrets and have the opportunity to address issues without distractions.

It worked for a week against Florida, but then the wheels fell off. The isolationist approach served no real purpose other than as a security blanket.

It's a policy that definitely has no place now that Arkansas is finishing off-season workouts in preparation for spring practices. The hiring of Bobby Petrino was the one move that turned the tide from an angry mob at the gate to a wave of positivity.

The only thing that can kill that is returning to Pittman's old ways. If he decides to close everything off because he thinks it's a secret what Petrino has been running in all of his years of coaching, or if he does things like last year and limits access to only media during the warm-up session, it will be a huge mistake.

It's spring practice. They're not getting ready to play LSU next week. It's about preparing players to execute in Razorback Stadium next fall. The best way to do that while building on increased positivity is to open things up.

Let the media see the quarterback, running back and linebacker battles unfold. Let them report back to the fans.

Then, once per week, invite the fans over to watch practice. Use it as a way to promote Arkansas Edge by requiring proof of a $5 donation per person to get in.

After all, if would be nice for the program to actually provide fans something of value for their donations rather than blindly asking them to just cough up money. Besides, it's a good business tactic. Once they have donated a first time, they are more likely to donate a few dollars again and it also generates conversation among fans about the process.

Have a few interns open up one of the concession stands to sell sodas and candy bars, and there's a full recipe for strong, positive vibes around the program. Fans are happy and each week the NIL coffers are a little more full.

That's how you build a roaring fire from a small flame heading into the season. It's also a good way to see how players perform in front of Razorbacks fans.

Considering how poorly the team represented itself in home games last year, that's a valid point of measurement. Plus, after failing to show up in the regular season at Razorback Stadium last fall, this program owes its fans.

It's time for Pittman to embrace the Hog again, not hide it. Don't be afraid. Instead, build on the momentum gained from the hiring of Petrino and ride it into the regular season.