A native of Boyle, Mississippi, Pittman played at Mississippi State University from 1947 to 1949. From 1966 to 1970, he served as the head football coach at Tulane, and during his tenure there he compiled a 21–30–1 record. In 1971, he served as the head football coach at TCU, where he compiled a 3–3–1 record, being credited for the 34–27 win that happened on the day of his death.[1][2] He died of a heart attack on the sidelines of a game against Baylor in Waco, Texas on October 30, 1971.[2]
^ abcPittman coached the first seven games of the season before he died on October 30, 1971. Billy Tohill replaced Pitmman as head coach, leading TCU to a 3–1 record over the final four games, all played against conference opponents, of the season. TCU finished the season with a 6–4–1 overall record and placed third with a 5–2 conference mark.