Posted by: Chris Vannini on February 26, 2013

Arkansas offensive line coach Sam Pittman didn't have to coach a game before earning a raise.

On Monday, various outlets reported Pittman received a two-year contract extension through 2016 and a raise to an annual salary of $500,000 (previously was $275,000).

Two weeks ago, Bret Bielema sent out a tweet that read: "Can't say THANK YOU enough to UA administration & support to keep our staff together when others come calling to hire away.#WPS #GoHogsGo."

Many believed it had to do with Pittman being courted for the same job at Alabama. The inability to keep assistants was a major reason Bielema left Wisconsin for Arkansas, and it appears that won't be a problem in Fayetteville.

Pittman joined SportsTalk With Bo Mattingly over the weekend and talked about the Alabama opportunity.

"Every year, you have opportunities, and obviously you have decisions to make," he said. "But here's the bottom line: When I took the job at Arkansas, I said it is the greatest job in America, and that I was so privileged to be the O-line coach at Arkansas. Two months later, that can't change. I am so thankful to be the O-line coach at Arkansas.

"The Alabama deal, I don't know what to say. It's really hard to say two months ago this is my dream job, and two months later, have another dream. I'm not that kind of person. The university treated me so well. I'm really appreciative."

Recruiting is considered by many to be one of Pittman's top attributes as a college coach. He explained why that is.

"I work hard at it," he said. "I certainly try to develop relationships, and obviously, we're trying to (sell) the University of Arkansas. We have the greatest college in America. We have a lot to sell, and people who talk to me know I believe that. So, there's a lot of things that we have to sell, but the main thing is I try to get close enough to kids and parents to where it's very difficult or impossible for them to tell us no.

"With that, you have to have good product, and we're certainly blessed to have a great product."

You can listen to Pittman's interview by clicking here. Arkansas begins spring practice on March 10.

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Chris Vannini is the lead writer for CoachingSearch.com and has covered Michigan State sports for The State News, The Oakland Press and MLive.com. He writes a weekly column for the Detroit Free Press on behalf of SB Nation. Vannini lives in Big Ten country, so his foot speed is far from SEC caliber, but his pulse on coaches is hard to match. Be sure to follow @CoachingBuzz on twitter and send your feedback to chris@coachingsearch.com