Arkansas: Sam Pittman was an unconventional hire -- a career offensive line coach with no FBS head coach or coordinator experience -- but one who initially hit, as Arkansas held its own during the all-SEC schedule in 2020 and then went 9-4 with a No. 21 AP finish in 2021. But Pittman has struggled since a 3-0 start to last season, going 6-10 to fall to 21-21 overall. The overall record is significant, as Pittman's contract states he would be owed only 50% of his remaining compensation, rather than 75%, if fired with a losing record -- although it might not include the COVID-impacted 2020 season, when Arkansas went 3-7. Pittman's homespun charm has made him a great fit at Arkansas, and athletic director Hunter Yurachek hired him, which normally helps. But the current trajectory isn't good. "I feel like that's one year away," a coaching agent said, "even though their schedule is brutal."
