Why Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman is using a cane in Liberty Bowl vs. Texas Tech

Posted by Admin December 27, 2024 Football

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman has an added accessory to his Liberty Bowl wardrobe Friday night.

The Razorbacks (6-6) are facing Texas Tech (8-3) to close the 2024 season, and Pittman is coaching with a cane on the sideline. The Arkansas head coach had a hip replacement on Dec. 3, and while he says he is making good progress toward a full recovery, he still needs the cane for extended time on his feet.

“I can walk without a cane about 20 yards, maybe,” Pittman said Monday. “I’m going to have it on the sideline just, I don’t know, maybe it’s a security blanket, maybe I need it, I don’t know, but I’m sleeping a lot better.”

Pittman knew he needed surgery in the summer, but he elected to wait until the end of the season to undergo the procedure. He had a noticeable limp all season, and didn’t participate in the Hogs’ tradition of ‘running through the A’ at home games.

The 62-year old head coach didn’t have to miss any time in preparation for a potential bowl game or recruiting out of the transfer portal, but Pittman recently admitted he wished he had the surgery in the summer.

“This season’s been rough just simply because it’s been a little bit, honestly, of survival on the sideline with my hip, which is not fair to the team or anything. It’s just when you’re hurt, you’re hurt,” he said.

Pittman coached from the booth in Arkansas’ regular-season finale, a 28-21 road loss to Missouri.

Friday marks the conclusion of Pittman’s fifth year with Arkansas. He is 29-31 with the Razorbacks and is seeking a 3-0 record in bowl games.