Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1288550
10 NWA COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW | 9.20.2020 TOM MURPHY ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE FAYETTEVILLE — The big uglies cheered in unison on Dec. 8, 2019. The day one of their own got the opportunity of a lifetime. Sam Pittman, heretofore career offensive line guru, was hired by the University of Arkansas to serve as head coach. Pittman, a celebrated O-line whisperer and recruiter extraordinaire, was certainly not the favorite when UA Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek started his search the month before. But his personal pitch resonated with Yurachek, deputy athletic director Jon Fagg and ex- Razorback Steve Cox as he professed his lifelong love of the Razorbacks and put forth his vision in his interviews. Now let's set the record straight. Not all offensive linemen are "big uglies." There are handsome ones, too. But the truth is their odds of landing head coaching gigs rank well behind coordinators and assistants who specialize in quarterbacks, receivers, defensive backs or linebackers. And yet there may be no position on a football field where the camaraderie needs to be tighter, the bonds more unbreakable than on an offensive front. Perhaps that's part of the reason Pittman's big promotion — he has served as an assistant head coach numerous times the last 25 years — was met with such professional pride. Pittman last served as a head coach in 1993 at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College. He knew he could take the big reins again some day. Pittman was recently asked whether offensive line coaches face an uphill THE 'UGLIES' TRUTH COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS KNOWN FOR PASSING OVER OFFENSIVE LINE COACHES WHEN THE HEAD JOB OPENS UP. SAM PITTMAN FINALLY WAS CHOSEN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS. NOW HE'S OUT TO PROVE HE WAS THE RIGHT MAN ALL ALONG. Arkansas coach Sam Pittman directs members of the offensive line Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, during practice at the university practice facility in Fayetteville. NWA Democrat-Gazette/Andy Shupe