Embrace The Hog: Pittman Delivers New Message to Razorbacks Program

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Following a challenging 4-8 season in 2023, Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman has been vocal about the need for a shift in culture, confidence, and leadership within the Arkansas program. With a mix of returning players, transfers, and new recruits, Pittman sees this as an opportune time for a reset.

At SEC Media Days, Pittman outlined his plan to rejuvenate the Razorbacks. A key phrase from his speech was the need for his team to “embrace the Hog.”

“Which means we need to be tough, we need to be together, consistent, accountable, and do it with pride,” Pittman said. “We’ve accomplished that this summer and through spring ball. Every setback is an opportunity for a comeback. We embrace that mindset.

“I believe in our players, staff, and our state. I believe in our direction that we’re heading in and where we’re going to rise to the challenge for a great 2024 season.”

While a College Football Playoff berth in December is unlikely, achieving bowl eligibility would significantly boost confidence in the program.

Last season, five of Arkansas’ losses were determined by one possession, with three of those coming on the road against LSU, Ole Miss, and Alabama. A shift in offensive philosophy, combined with strong leadership and belief in the coaching, can help the Razorbacks win close games.

A major storyline at the end of the regular season was the return of Bobby Petrino as Arkansas’ offensive coordinator. As the former head coach, Petrino understands the Razorbacks’ culture deeply.

“[Petrino] loves the Hog,” Pittman said. “He likes to win. He likes to score points. I mentioned it before, I had Barry [Odom] before that I could bump some head coaching questions off of. As I get older, the questions aren’t as many as I get more years of being a head coach.

“But what I’ve got, it’s like a security blanket. I got Bobby there. I had Barry there. I have Bobby there that I can run off. I’ll ask them a question, and I want their opinion, and they know it, and we’ll agree on it, or we won’t, but we’re both grown men, and if we do, we do, if we don’t, we don’t. We’ll move on down the road. But that’s been very beneficial to me, and I really like him, and I have a lot of respect for him. He spends more time in my office than anybody, and I apologize to him, but I say ‘Bobby, come in,’ and I don’t know if he likes it or not, but I do make him talk to me a lot.”