Arkansas coach Sam Pittman signs extension through 2026

Under second-year head coach Sam Pittman, the 2021 Arkansas Razorbacks finished the season with a 9-4 record and, per Adam Rittenberg of ESPN, the program ended a campaign ranked in the Top 25 for the first time since 2011. 

Pittman was rewarded with a new deal ahead of the summer months. 

Per Kyle Parkinson of the Razorbacks' website, Pittman has put pen to paper on a five-year contract that began retroactively at the start of 2022 and that runs through Dec. 2026. However, the agreement would be extended an additional year if Pittman wins seven or more games in any campaign over the next five. 

The 60-year-old will earn $5M annually and is eligible for bonuses linked with number of victories per season and incentives tied to postseason accomplishments. 

Pittman's Razorbacks went 3-7 while playing an all-Southeastern Conference schedule in 2020. 

"Coach Pittman and his staff have done a tremendous job quickly restoring the pride and belief in our football program," Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek said for the official release. "There is no doubt, Coach Pittman has proven to be the right man to lead our football team. He has earned this opportunity with the success he and his staff have had on the field and on the recruiting trail. Last fall, we won four trophies, including one for our victory in the Outback Bowl, and enjoyed our best season in a decade, and I believe we’re just getting started. I look forward to continuing to work with Coach Pittman as we build our football program back to elite status." 

Pittman added: 

"Arkansas is where I want to be, this is my dream job. I am so grateful for our University and Hunter for believing in me, our coaches and staff and the program we’re building. We are all excited to continue to build on what we’ve done and continue to make our fans and the whole state of Arkansas proud of our football team." 

Arkansas defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 24-10 in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1.