Sam Pittman Reflects on Nick Saban’s Influence on His Career

Sam Pittman almost left Arkansas over a decade ago. The current Razorback head coach had just arrived in Fayetteville as an offensive line coach when he received a call from Nick Saban, who was interested in bringing him to Alabama in the same role.

Although Pittman ultimately decided not to make the move, he spoke Thursday at SEC Media Days in Dallas about how significant that conversation was for his life.

“Coach Saban’s interest in me changed Jamie (Pittman) and my life,” Pittman said. “It changed our life financially, and it boosted my confidence in my abilities.”

Alabama eventually hired current Miami head coach Mario Cristobal for the position. Pittman continued his role at Arkansas until 2015.

Later, Pittman joined Georgia, working under Saban’s disciple, Kirby Smart. He served as the Bulldogs' offensive line coach from 2016-2019 before becoming the head coach at Arkansas.

“I think there is a reason why I ended up working for Kirby at Georgia,” Pittman noted. “It had a lot to do with Coach Saban. Derek Dooley started my career at Tennessee, but Coach Saban is the GOAT, and he is someone our league will miss dearly.”

Saban retired in January after 17 seasons as Alabama’s head coach, during which he won six national championships. His Crimson Tide teams defeated Pittman’s Arkansas squads every time they faced off.

Pittman also spoke about Saban’s broader influence on his career.

“Whenever I went to the head coach’s meeting, it’s in alphabetical order, so I sit right next to Coach Saban,” Pittman said. “I’m not saying he took me under his wing, but I was nervous sitting next to him. I’m sure I asked him more questions than he might have wanted to answer, but he answered every one of them.”

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