In the ever-changing world of name, image and likeness, it’s important for players and coaches to have a buffer when it comes to conversations about money. At least, that’s what Arkansas football head coach Sam Pittman said Thursday when discussing the addition of the program’s first general manager.
Remy Cofield was announced as the deputy athletics director and GM for the university on March 24 and officially joined the Arkansas staff April 1.
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When asked about Cofield’s role within the football program, Pittman said his main priority right now is getting familiar with the team, and he has been involved in day-to-day operations such as meetings, evaluations and film sessions. Once he does that, however,
the former Boston Celtics’ director of scouting will act as a middleman in negotiations and help manage the relationships between players and their head coach.
“It’s personal,” Pittman said. “A guy’s going to leave. You understand why, but then it becomes personal. We need to take that part out of the game, to me. I’m all for these guys making money. All for it. But there are some that leave that it hurts you, you know? So I think having [Cofield] will help us, and he can be a buffer.”
The Arkansas head coach later added, “A lot of times you need, if you’re married, you need a little buffer. You go talk to your son and say, ‘Hey, go to mom and see what this idea would be,’ you know. I think you need a buffer. And to me, [Cofield’s] that guy because since we’ve been here, I’ve kind of been the good guy and the bad guy. They’re going to go to him. So, I think that buffering system is going to help me tremendously.”
Cofield is jumping on board just in time to oversee the spring football transfer portal window, which is open from April 16 through April 25. Until then, the Razorbacks will continue to prep for their annual Red-White game with that set for Saturday, April 19.