Jimbo Fisher on trying to hire Arkansas' Sam Pittman as A&M OL coach

On3 imageby:Steve Samra09/23/21

SamraSource

This weekend, Jimbo Fisher and Sam Pittman are SEC rivals looking to stay undefeated on the season. However, their story could’ve been much different if Fisher was able to convince Pittman to join his staff.

When Fisher joined Texas A&M, he was interested in hiring Pittman as the Aggies’ offensive line coach. While it never came to fruition, Fisher explained why he was interested in Pittman on this week’s SEC football head coaches teleconference.

“You’re looking around for guys, and I’ve always had great respect for Sam,” stated Fisher. “I think Sam has not only turned into being a great head football coach, he was a great offensive line coach. He was a guy you’re always interested in. 

“You talk to guys who have the possibility of being on your staff, future coaches and things. Thought he was outstanding. Great guy, great person. I love being around Sam. He’s a heck of a football coach. I have a lot of respect for Sam.”

Fisher was drawn to Pittman for his work with Arkansas and Georgia’s offensive lines. However, he was smitten by how great of a person the current Razorbacks head coach is.

Fisher: ‘I think he’s outstanding’

Moreover, the Texas A&M head coach continued on about how impressed he is with Pittman as a person. While he’s only known him for a short period of time, it’s obvious there’s a mutual respect between the two.

“I’ve known Sam more from afar for a long time. Just ‘man, that team — who’s their line coach? Sam Pittman.’ Once I met Sam quite a few years ago, just such a down to earth good guy,” said Fisher. “A normal guy, good guy, genuine guy. I have a lot of respect for him as a coach. As a person — every time I’ve ever met with him he’s been great to be around. 

“I enjoy spending time with him, I think he’s outstanding. That’s only been since the last 5-7 years that I’ve truly been around him, but I’ve always had great respect for what he did as a coach. But every time I’ve been around him it’s even more fun.”

While Fisher may love to spend time with Pittman, he’ll be hoping to have fun at his expense this weekend. If the Aggies can’t defeat the Razorbacks inside AT&T Stadium, perhaps things won’t be so fun for Fisher for the rest of the season.

This weekend, Fisher’s Aggies enter the matchup fresh off of three victories, but the Razorbacks are by far their biggest test yet. As for Pittman’s squad, Arkansas already has a ranked win over Texas this season — they’ll be looking for their second one on Saturday.