Sam Pittman says Mike Leach is a 'really great guy'

Mike Leach and Sam Pittman have crossed paths a few times over the last few years as SEC rivals. But their relationship goes back to the 1990s when Pittman was on his way out as an assistant at Oklahoma and Leach was heading in, and they’re gearing up to face each other this weekend.

Pittman discussed his relationship with Leach this week ahead of Arkansas’ matchup with Mississippi State and spoke highly of Leach as a person. He said he has a great deal of respect for Leach, who came in with Bob Stoops after the firing of John Blake and his staff, including Pittman. Despite those circumstances, they maintained a connection.

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“He’s a great guy,” Pittman said. “I knew him a little bit when we had gotten fired at Oklahoma. He came to Oklahoma as an assistant and I met him there, just briefly. Obviously, I wasn’t still employed, but met him there briefly. He’s just a really quality, really great guy and, obviously, a great coach and a wonderful offensive mind, as well. I really like him, I respect him. He’s been good to me in meetings and the conversations I’ve had with him.”

Sam Pittman updates status of QB KJ Jefferson

The status of quarterbacks in the SEC West is the hot topic this week, with LSU starting quarterback Jayden Daniels banged up and both starting quarterbacks in last week’s Alabama–Arkansas game also injured. On Monday, Arkansas coach Sam Pittman provided a KJ Jefferson status update.

Pittman had said after his team’s 49-26 loss to Alabama that Jefferson had hit his head, though he shied away from confirming Jefferson is in concussion protocol this week when asked directly.

“I didn’t say that,” Pittman said.

What we know is that Jefferson did not finish the contest against Alabama. After leaving the game for one play midway through the fourth quarter, Jefferson returned briefly and finished out Arkansas’ final scoring drive.

But he did not appear in either of the two series following the final field goal make of the game for the Razorbacks, which cut the Crimson Tide lead to 42-26. Instead, reserve quarterback Cade Fortin played.