Video capture: ArkansasRazorbacks.com
Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a news release from the University of Arkansas.
Pittman was administered a PCR test Sunday as part of the team’s normal protocol and was informed Monday morning of the positive result.
Pittman took a second test Monday to confirm the diagnosis. Those results will be available Tuesday.
If the second test is negative (UPDATE: It was positive), he must then test two more times at least 24 hours apart from one another and receive two additional negative results before he can coach this weekend against No. 6 Florida, per the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force protocols.
“I’m embarrassed,” said Pittman. “To be honest with you I haven’t done anything different than what I’ve done ever since (last week’s test).”
Pittman said he is not symptomatic, and feels fine, but is in self isolation at home.
“I’m just disappointed,” he said. “I mean, you get into coaching to coach, and I’m disappointed I’m not going to have that opportunity to do that, assuming the test wasn’t incorrect and that I don’t get three negative tests in a row, which I’m hoping I do.”
Pittman will continue to be a part of team meetings virtually while in isolation. Defensive coordinator Barry Odom will serve as the team’s interim head coach in Pittman’s absence.
Pittman is the third SEC coach to test positive for COVID-19 this season. Florida coach Dan Mullen and Alabama coach Nick Saban both tested positive in mid-October. Saban, however, was tested three more times, each with negative results, and was able to coach later that week.
