PITTMAN SAYS Orgeron paved the way for him.
FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas Coach Sam Pittman does not know LSU Coach Ed Orgeron very well, but his respect for the longtime defensive line coach is immense.
Pittman said Orgeron stands as an example for aspiring head coaches who are not offensive or defensive coordinators.
“I did tell Coach Orgeron that I believe he gave us noncoordinators an opportunity,” Pittman said. “I think it makes it easier … for athletic directors to hire noncoordinators, nonhead coaches, and I think he proved that it can be done.
“He was a D-line coach for a majority of his life and got the opportunity there I believe at Ole Miss. I was very thankful to him because I think he’s one of the guys — there’s about 3-4 of them — that started the opportunities for noncoordinators to be head coaches.”
Pittman followed the same route as an offensive line coach and assistant head coach at numerous schools to land the Arkansas job in December.
“I think a lot of Coach Pittman,” Orgeron said when told of Pittman’s thoughts Monday. “Obviously, he’s done a great job. I don’t know if it helped or not, but I was never a coordinator. He was never a coordinator, he became a head coach, and he’s doing a good job.
“We’ve had success here. I think that guys don’t need to be judged as if they’re a coordinator or not. It’s the leadership skills they have and their background. And I think of all those great coaches I’ve been with that’s helped me, and I think it’s going to help Coach Pittman.”
Orgeron said he spoke by phone with Pittman on Monday morning.
“You know what? They have faith in their coaching staff,” Orgeron said.