In a bit of a surprise move, it seems as if Sam Pittman is safe as Arkansas football coach.

According to multiple reports, Pittman was informed by athletics director Hunter Yurachek late Saturday that he will return in 2024. The Razorbacks beat Florida International 44-20 on Saturday, and are 4-7 this season heading into Friday’s season-finale vs. Missouri.

Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports was first to report the news on Sunday. Pittman would have been owed a $16.1 million buyout if fired at the end of this season.

The 61-year-old Pittman is 23-24 in four seasons at Arkansas, with bowl berths in 2021 and 2022. The Razorbacks have taken a step back in 2023, however, with a six-game losing streak at one point and a blowout home loss vs. Auburn just last week.

Pittman staying put leaves two football coaching openings thus far in the SEC: Texas A&M and Mississippi State. The Aggies fired Jimbo Fisher last Sunday, a day before the Bulldogs let go Zach Arnett.