Arkansas Fires Sam Pittman; Petrino Named Interim Coach

Arkansas fired Sam Pittman after a 32–34 tenure and a stretch of poor performances, including a 56–13 loss to Notre Dame and multiple one-possession defeats, prompting AD Hunter Yurachek to act. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino was named interim head coach for the remainder of the season, will continue calling plays and has outlined a nine-week plan while urging unity and better performance to preserve players’ NFL and transfer prospects. Yurachek pointed to severe defensive struggles — roughly 43 points and 535 yards allowed over three games — as a key reason for the change. Petrino immediately overhauled the defensive staff, dismissing defensive coordinator Travis Williams, defensive line coach Deke Adams and secondary coach Marcus Woodson, and elevating assistant Chris Wilson to handle defensive play-calling; only first-year defensive backs coach Nick Perry remains. The coaching shakeup has produced recruiting fallout, with at least five commitments reopening their recruitment and the potential for more players to explore the transfer portal. Yurachek defended the move as necessary, and Petrino is being considered for the permanent head-coaching job going forward.