The Morning News: News : Change Of Heart

Change Of Heart

Altman Decides To Go Back To Creighton

Last updated Tuesday, April 3, 2007 10:23 PM CDT in News

By Ryan Malashock
The Morning News

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FAYETTEVILLE -- About 24 hours earlier, Arkansas had introduced Dana Altman as its new basketball coach.

But late Tuesday afternoon, on nearly the same spot outside Bud Walton Arena that Stan Heath spoke from after being fired, Altman revealed a jolting reversal of thought.

He couldn't cope with leaving Creighton and couldn't handle putting his family through a life-altering move to Arkansas. So, in the end, he simply decided he wouldn't.

"It is with deep regret that I inform you that I have decided to return to Creighton," Altman said. "I want to sincerely apologize to Chancellor (John) White, (Athletic Director Frank) Broyles, the Razorback fans and in particular the players."

In describing his decision-making process, one topic seemed to rise above the rest for the coach who has made eight NCAA Tournament appearances.

He knocked down rumors he was leaving because of academic problems regarding the Razorback players.

"There are a couple of players that have to get to class (more)," Altman said, "but as far as a problem -- no."

He still lauded Arkansas' program, still grasped the upgrade the Arkansas job would've been for him.

But one issue kept arising.

"This is something I'm doing for my family," Altman said. "I wish I would have come to that decision earlier."

So do White and Broyles, who now must start the coaching search all over. White said the university would hire an executive firm to assist in the search, which will resume today.

White didn't mince words as he tried to rank how down a day Tuesday was for the University of Arkansas.

"This is one of the shortest chapters and one of the most disappointing chapters in the history of the institution," White said.

Broyles was scheduled to land at Drake Field just before midnight after a jet registered to The Razorback Foundation picked him up in Augusta, Ga.

In a statement, Broyles seemed as if he understood Altman's plight.

"I am disappointed that Coach Altman has decided to return to Creighton University," Broyles said. "He put 13 years into that program, and leaving his home state proved more difficult than he could have imagined."

Altman spent most of his first and only day on the job in what was to be his new office in Bud Walton Arena. With Broyles en route to Augusta for this week's Masters golf tournament, White thought he'd drop by and see how his new coach was doing.

Immediately upon arrival, around 11 a.m., White perceived some troubling traits about Altman.

"I sensed early (Tuesday) he was beginning to have some reservations," White said.

White said he and Altman then talked for an hour, discussing the internal strife Altman was experiencing. The overwhelming theme was family, and Altman's reluctance to put them in an uncomfortable situation.

Altman said White was a person who was "all about family," and he comprehended the arduous choice Altman had to make. He said White told him, "You have to do what you have to do."

Arkansas' chancellor expanded on Altman's family issues.

"His 14-year-old daughter (Audra) was very, very distressed about leaving her friends in Nebraska," White said. "All of their family is there, and I think what happened frankly, I think he got caught up in all the euphoria of the opportunity.

"Then, he woke up this morning and reality set in."

But White didn't give up. He came back to Bud Walton Arena early in the afternoon and met with Altman for two more hours.

He then called Broyles, who spoke to Altman about his jitters, and White said he had several other people discuss the situation with Altman.

"I wanted to make sure that before he made this decision, that he had the best input he could get from a group of people I think he would respect and certainly I respect," White said. "That took the bulk of the afternoon."

Altman was unwavering in his feelings, though.

And around 5:15 p.m., Altman told White, "I have made my decision."

About an hour later, Altman and White then addressed a cluster of media gathered about 15 feet from Altman's car, parked in the space reserved for Arkansas' basketball coach.

Neither White nor Altman, who grew up in Wilber, Neb., appeared comfortable with the outcome of this rare situation.

"He's embarrassed," White said. "He said, 'I'm sorry I've caused you embarrassment.' I said, 'You haven't caused me embarrassment. You've caused me disappointment.'"

"I said, 'I'm disappointed that you didn't recognize what you were going to have to come to grips with before you came here. But in the long term, if this is what is best for you and your family, then you need to do this.'"

WORTH QUOTING

Dana Altman

* On part of his decision:

"I've poured my heart and soul into Creighton University for 13 years, and I just can't leave."

* On a different possible reason and being unsure he could return:

"My ego was involved and I'm not sure of all of the reasons, but again, there was something that, in my heart, wouldn't allow me to do it. After I was sure (Creighton Athletic Director Bruce Rasmussen) would allow me to return, I talked to my wife and decided to go back."

John White

* On who is taking care of the team:

"We still have Coach (Glynn) Cyprien, who's here with us. We have the administrative staff who have all been working with the players, including the trainer (Dave England), and they're basically (the team's) point of continuity right now."

* On the chance of a future meeting between Arkansas and Creighton:

"I'm looking forward to meeting you in the Final Four and beating the socks off you."

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Reader Comments (119 comment(s))

The following comments are provided by readers and are the sole responsibility of their authors. The Morning News does not review comments before their publication, nor do we guarantee their accuracy. By publishing a comment here you agree to abide by our comment policy. If you see a comment that violates our policy, please notify the web editor.

hahahahahahahahahaha wrote on Apr 3, 2007 7:39 PM:

" This is getting more tragic by the second! Maybe Frank should try for a high school coach. Laughing stock of America... if it just were not so sad. "

sorestomach wrote on Apr 3, 2007 7:46 PM:

" My stomach is so sore from laughing so much as "good ole Frank" once again has egg on his face. All of the efforts of Arkansas based business to get the rest of the country to take us seriously are down the drain as Frank tries to hire a coach. It could be worse, HDN could be the AD trying to find a coach. "

What happened... wrote on Apr 3, 2007 7:53 PM:

" did Houston run him off, too? Seriously, though, I'm betting it was his wife. She didn't look the least bit happy at the press conference yesterday. And his answers in the interview on Sports Rap yesterday, this guy was looking over his shoulder the whole time. "

enough! wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:00 PM:

" You all want to say Broyles ran him off..I don't even think he was involved in this hiring. This has White's name all over it! Broyles wouldn't have hired this guy! "

notice how wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:13 PM:

" Altman said yesterday he was going to talk to Eddie and Nolan about Arkansas, then 24 hours later he changes his mind..............hmmmm "

go hogs wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:13 PM:

" OH CAMPBELL....I BET YOU ARE LOVING THIS! "

Bama Hog wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:18 PM:

" Dana, I guess we know now why you turned down all those other jobs. Scared of shadow. Have a nice life, chump change. "

Love Doctor wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:19 PM:

" There is only way that Frank Broyles can save face. That is to rehire Nolan Richardson. Good luck Hogs. "

BadgergradinNWA wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:29 PM:

" Wow - I guess I feel bad for the alum, boosters and fans of this program. But most of all, I feel for the kids in the program who were made to believe in someone, only to have that person leave 24 hours later. Good Luck to the 'Hogs in their search. I think using an executive search firm is probably a good idea at this point. "

Nolan yes. Frank no. wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:40 PM:

" Bring back Nolan and get rid of Frank. Nolan is better than any of those trainees that remain on Frank's ever-growing list of prospective coaches. Frank told Stan to make the NCAA tourney or he would be fired. Then, he fired Stan even though he got the team in the tourney. Frank is either senile or a big, fat liar. Either way, we need him out before year end. Nolan sued the UA because Frank hates blacks and is mean to them. Just because Nolan lost the suit does not mean he was wrong. "

Reva wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:43 PM:

" If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. "

Laffin' stok wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:46 PM:

" Do you think this opens the door for the Arkansas State University Indians coach to get the job?Let's see, what's his name? oh yeah, Dickey Nutt.If Frank can fire Stan, can John fire Frank? Today?? "

Tucker Tom wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:49 PM:

" Guess Dana was ashamed to let his friends know he would be calling the Hogs. That should have been a clue to his loyalty. "

coursbo wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:49 PM:

" What are we doing? Maybe we need to see what Nolen is doing. Only in Arkansas The Rural Life is a Great Life in Arkansas "

Karma wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:50 PM:

" Wow, I knew someone could create a theory in which Houston Nutt was somehow responsible for this mess. Well done, tnew. Obsession with a football coach raised to a new level. "

Boo wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:50 PM:

" Well, I eat crow on this after thinking Altman would take BB program to new heights. I've second guessed myself too much to condemn him for it, but as many times as he's interviewed elsewhere, you would've thought he'd come to a solid decision. I still think he would've been a good coach. Hilarious comment on rehiring Nolan. He's as bitter as he is rich. "

Rollin wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:53 PM:

" I would be all for Mr. Richardson returning. However, there are still many out there who hate him as much or more than everyone's favorite football coach. The Hill can't take that much more drama. "

dish13-hog wrote on Apr 3, 2007 8:58 PM:

" Well one thing's for certain. This man will never be offered another job coaching again. "

tnew wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:05 PM:

" Karma, obviously you are possibly better schooled Thursday night NBC TV rather than eastern thought otherwise you would realize that Karma, the effect that every thought, decision and action affects future results has led Arkansas to this point. Like my post clearly states this is Coach Broyles mess. HDN is a huge, huge, HUGE part of the mess that is in the athletic department. A strong AD would have recognized this and let him go or at least put him in his place. A raise only strengthened his position. He should have been cloistered and made to make the situation work. The firing of Heath could have been done and only raised eyebrows nationally if it was the only point of questionable management. If anybody in Razorback Nation doesn't believe the fiasco that has happened with the basketball situation, ie six candidates not thinking that the University is not a desirable option. Outside of Arkansas the thought of Calapari leaving Memphis for Arkansas was considered a joke and a serious step down. Think about that and think about how we got here. "

Priorities wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:05 PM:

" And yet not one comment on the article about Sexual Assault statistics. Go Razorbacks.... 1 in 6 women, in case anyone gives a ... "

MVC Fan wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:07 PM:

" This speaks volumes about the Missouri Valley Conference. Glad to have him back in the MVC! "

tnew wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:10 PM:

" MVC, This screams volumes about the UofA. "

went wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:34 PM:

" Re: Priorities ... blame Houston Nutt. I wouldn't want the coaching job either, what with all the bitterly spiteful "fans" such as myself. Can't blame Altman for not wanting to put his family through all that. "

Greg wrote on Apr 3, 2007 9:39 PM:

" Wow. That was quick. Didn't take long for Frank to run him off. "

Oob wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:02 PM:

" Yeah, that's great! When is all that going to come out so we can scare off more coaches with the never-ending mob witch hunt? "

ohisee wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:11 PM:

" guess we need to keep the big news hush hush we'll save that for a slow news day!!! "

nebraska_jayhawk wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:17 PM:

" Wow, first Houston Nutt turns down Nebraska and returns to Arkansas and now Altman turns down Arkansas and goes back to Creighton. Poetic justice? "

lsu fan wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:22 PM:

" Frank, i hear that Pokey Chatman is available. she's proven herself as a coach, and she won't be having any affairs with her players. "

Altman wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:25 PM:

" Maybe, it is time to check and see how much Frankie is using the Razorback Foundation's jet for his trips. Everytime I read a story, Frankie is either taking a flight or being picked up. Maybe the plane can take him into retirement a little earlier. "

Welcome Back Dana wrote on Apr 3, 2007 10:44 PM:

" dish13- I speak for all for CU fans when I say, we agree that he will never get another coaching job offered to him.........and that is fine with us. He will finish his career where he should. Go Jays!! "

had to be the scenery wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:27 PM:

" It had to be that apocalyptically horrific drive from XNA through Healing Springs, AR that scared the bejesus out of him. I guess gutted mobile homes and abandoned autos are not his cup of tea. "

XNA wrote on Apr 3, 2007 11:40 PM:

" If the sight of cow pastures and chicken houses don't scare you away first, the Healing Springs Rite of Passage will. Only problem, I think he arrived through Drake Field? "

joseph wrote on Apr 4, 2007 12:24 AM:

" i'm thrilled that dana is coming back to nebraska! we love him here and we always will...GO JAYS! "

RazorbaxFan1 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 12:35 AM:

" Alright, now that we've gotten our whining out of the way....who do you think some viable candidates are at this point? Chancellor White keeps saying that this is an attractive job (and I believe it is), but who can they attract now? Anyone? "

MississippiTransplant wrote on Apr 4, 2007 12:43 AM:

" Frank should take a big leap of faith and offer Pat Summitt the job. "

But, Dog... wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:16 AM:

" Can you do it all for only $1.5 mil? "

RazorThin wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:29 AM:

" Dana Altman is a great guy and incredible coach. We all know there is more to this story than what we're being told. Guys like Altman dedicate their entire careers to earning the respect that he has. Altman would never put himself or his reputation through this mess if he didn't uncover a smoking gun. Altman was handed the Oklahoma job a year ago and turned it down. Where there is smoke there is fire. Pig Whatever, better dial 911. "

HOGGIN' wrote on Apr 4, 2007 4:46 AM:

" This really hurts the selection process. There is no coach worth a darn who is going to accept the position now. The coach that accepts the Head Coach of basketball at U of A will be grasping for anything and gladly accept the title of "Second Choice!" "

amazed wrote on Apr 4, 2007 5:22 AM:

" I am sure that Nolan is sitting back laughing at this one. Frank should have retired last month instead of waiting till the end of the year. "

Sad Fan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 5:22 AM:

" I have officaly given up and am looking for a new team to love.Arkansas broke my heart "

"40 Minutes of _____" Fan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:11 AM:

" Gotta agree! We Miss "Nolan's 40 Minutes of ____" (Comment wouldn't allow word to be written out) I bet Nolan is having a good time laughing at this mess. Shouldn't have fired Heath. Don't see him trying to come back do we! Smart Man! Gosh! Altman turned down 1.5 M not to come to Arkansas! When watching the newscast: I thought when he layed the hat on the table and didn't join in the Rzorback yell that something was wrong. Strange. Think we could offer Nolan enough to step in again? "

pgjohnw wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:31 AM:

" LOW CLASS, VERY LOW CLASS. Altman!! hope your really happy at creighton, cause no school will have you now. creighton you need to cut his salary. you got him by the short hairs. "

R_U_Nutts wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:37 AM:

" Broyles has the basketball program in the same state as the football program after the Hatfield departure. But totally deserved after his treatment of Stan Heath. "

SECFAN wrote on Apr 4, 2007 6:53 AM:

" Dana, you should have told the players and not let them find out through friends, TV, etc. That's pretty low!!! We need to get rid of Frank, Houston and start all over. Frank has messed up the program long enough. I though Stan should go, but after he was told if he got to the NCAA he would be OK, then Frank turned around and let him go, that's dirty pool!! Arkansas Sports is in a real mess and we have Frank to thank for that! "

kkk wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:06 AM:

" Hey, has anyone thought of hiring Hank Hill? He is from Arlin Tx. but it is better than what we have. ha ha "

Tktman wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:16 AM:

" The Coach from VCU is our best bet "

Gator Fan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:17 AM:

" As an SEC brother, I hate to see that happen to you guys. 'Family' is a noble reason, but how do you make this huge life decision that's nationally broadcast without thoroughly deciding with your family first? Good thing Creighton fans are happy to have him because that's where his ladder ends. And regarding White's quote about the Final Four: is he talking about the teams or just personally? "

Keep It Coming wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:52 AM:

" I am loving this! There is no greater form of entertainment than watching all these coaches, administrators, players, and fans falling all over each other trying to prove who is the most incompitant. I swear these is more drama on the hill then on any reality show on TV. I'm hooked. What's going to happen now? Stay tuned... "

paron wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:54 AM:

" White is getting what he deserves. He can't hide the fiasco that is his Athletic Department. Wait till he tries to hire a new AD, who knows he'll have FB looking over his shoulder. The sad thing is, when you peruse the comments of fans, the vast, vast majority just want coaches with class, integrity, honesty and a passion for competitiveness. But it has to start at the top, and walking into the no-class pig stye that the Dep't. has been allowed to become will tunr away anyone with another decent option. "

military-hog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:11 AM:

" ...Coach Richardson leaves the program (fired) in shambles, claims some favoritism exists in the athletic department based on ethnicity...the same program makes a quick hire of a coach (Coach Heath) with one year of head coaching experience...Coach Heath inherits a sub-par basketball program...struggles for two years...has two consecutive twenty win seasons, two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances (ousted in the first round each time)...didn't fill Bud Walton seats, didn't have a winning SEC record...then upon completing a four year cycle, his fifth year (all his recruits) on the horizon, he gets the axe. With athletic department support like that...who would want the job? "

Here's a Available Coach wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:12 AM:

" Charles Smith Springdale High School Basketball coach retired this year see if he's interested.... "

Amused wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:25 AM:

" Kudos to Altman for realizing that family is, and always will be, more important than a basketball program. "

Orville wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:39 AM:

" When the University runs off good teachers, there is not even a small news story. This fiasco could at least alert the public to the larger problems with the administration's style and priorities at the institution. Altman made the right decision. "

Another suggestion wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:39 AM:

" What about talking to Scott Sutton (Eddie Sutton's son). He has been at ORU for some time now and has a very good record and players really like him. "

CUFAN wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:40 AM:

" AFTER HEARING THE A.D. DO THE SOOOOEEEE CHEER, COACH REALIZED THE FOLKS IN ARKANSAS WERE NOT NORMAL. BUT IT WAS WHEN HE SAW THE KID WITH ONE TOOTH PLAYING THE BANJO IN THE TREE AS HE DROVE ON CAMPUS WHICH HELPED MAKE HIS MIND UP. YOU MIGHT WANT TO POST A WANT AD AT DRUCKERS GENERAL STORE AND HAVE UNCLE JOE PASS THE WORD OF THE NEED OF A COACH. MAYBE FRED ZIFFEL WOULD BE INTERESTED, HE OWNS A PIG. "

loser wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:45 AM:

" He will regret this decision for the rest of his life....he betrayed Cu and now is going back....he has lost a lot of respect there and here. What he doesn't realize is the U of A was his best future for his family and if family was truely the reason he left...he would have indeed stayed. Long term his daughter will suffer ridecule concerning her "Treason" father. "

In Omaha and loving it! wrote on Apr 4, 2007 8:47 AM:

" Celery, please, you obviously haven't been to Creighton or Omaha. It's a metropolitan area larger than anything near the Arkansas campus. To find a cornfield from the Creighton campus, after you pass the headquarters of Union Pacific, ConAgra, Kiewit Construction, Berkshire Hathaway, Mutual of Omaha, the home of the second richest man in the world Warren Buffet, and the urban and suburban homes of OVER 500,000 PEOPLE, now 20 miles from the campus, you might find a cornfield surrounded in suburban development. Oh, and up here "suburban development" does not include gutted trailer parks. "

KC Hog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:08 AM:

" I say bring Nolan back! I think hog fans have forgotten what Nolan did for Arkansas basketball. The games were so much more exciting to watch when he was coach. If Frank had just retired when Nolan was still coach he probably would still be there. As for all of you Nebraska fans making fun of Arkansas, I just have to say, I lived in Omaha for three years and I would pick Arkansas over it anyday! Rednecks are found everywhere. I think I met more in Omaha than in Arkansas. Go Hogs! "

FRED wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:17 AM:

" Story has it that he left because he was told that he had to keep the assistant Cyprien, who has a TWO year contract. "

HOGMAN wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:22 AM:

" FIRE FRANK "

RAZORBACK111 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:33 AM:

" SIDNEY MONCRIEF WOULD BE A PERFECT FIT - COACHING NBDL RIGHT NOW AND DOING A GREAT JOB. HE WOULD CREATE A TON OF GOODWILL GIVEN THIS UGLY SITUATION. "

In Omaha wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:33 AM:

" You just described NW Arkansas. You've obviously never been here. "

northwest_hog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:41 AM:

" re: In Omaha and loving it!---To compare living in Nebraska to Northwest Arkansas is a joke. Northwest Arkansas is 10 times better! You want to name drop.....try Wal Mart and Tyson...which by the way has given us some of if not the best facilities in the world of college sports. "

Tucker Tom wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:47 AM:

" All these names being kicked around as a possible coach. One name not mentioned so far is Ron Crawford. Of course, he would probably not accept the job anyway. "

Roy in Omaha wrote on Apr 4, 2007 9:49 AM:

" I have a buddy here that went to Iowa that desparately wanted them to hire Dana Altman as their new coach. There had been a ton of speculation here about this, both on the streets and in the press. I told him I couldn't see Altman ever leaving here since he was from here, and was reaching Osborne-like status in the area bordering on being iconic, even. I was much surprised, then, that he took the Arkansas job. However, when I saw his half-hearted attempt at the whole "Go pig sooey" thing during his introductory press conference, I found myself wondering about what he had done and wondered if it was on his mind as well. He sure didn't look comfortable to me and this is video the local news media here has been dissecting ad nauseum in their neverending quest to find angles on this story. Everybody here, from no other quarter I've seen or heard from yet, is ecstatic to have him back. The early buzz is that this has enhanced his stature around here even further. There was a large news media and enthusiastic fan contingent at the airport upon his return last night and at the school as well, many holding signs saying "Welcome back, Dana" or, words to that effect. Altman was well-thought of, even revered here before. Now, he is a homecoming hero. Some of the other posters don't seem to get it. He doesn't want to leave here. Ever. "

FRANK wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:01 AM:

" Story has it that Altman left because he was forced to keep Assistant Cyprien. Cyprien has a TWO year contract. That's insane. "

GATORBAIT wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:05 AM:

" MAYBE AULTMAN DIDNT WANT 2 BE COME GATORBAIT LIKE THE HOGS ARE AVERY YEAR. HE AINT PLAYING TEAMS LIKE FLIRODA EVERYYEAR LIKE HE WOULD BE IN SEC!!!! GO GATORS!!! "

SADLER wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:07 AM:

" Let's try to get another coach in Nebraska; Doc "I HAVE A BARBEQUE STAIN ON MY SHIRT" Sadler. "

lawton watson wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:11 AM:

" From a small time conference and school, Altman was just overwhelmed and got the beejeezus scared out of him. He knew he was in over his head and knew he couldn't live up to expectations. SEC basketball has delivered the national champion two years in a row and has the fiercest competition of all conferences. "

XNA wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:14 AM:

" To "In Omaha..." Do you have a Wal-Mart on each end of your campus? "

Can we please... wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:15 AM:

" just replace Frank with Hatfield, fire white and get it over with? "

MOHOG wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:28 AM:

" I hope Dana and his daughter will be very happy in Omaha "for the rest of their life". You have to question the integrity of a man who would not think through such an important decision before making a verbal commitment to Frank and our boys. He has lost face to the UofA, CU and the NCAA. The only solution is for Frank to step up and hire a coach that can (with his name alone) stop all of the BS and get back to recruiting and playing basketball. How about Tubby? He has all of the positive attributes that Nolan had, without the bitterness. Finally...if CU ever makes it to the Final Four, well..."I'll shut my mouth and call it corn pone!" "

Hog Fan (For Now...) wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:31 AM:

" Everyone, let's hear it: "UCA, UCA, UCA!"... "

View from afar wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:43 AM:

" I find it hard to believe the rumor that Altman was told he had to retain one of Heath's assistants. If I was Arkansas, I would buyout (or eat) an assistant's contract before I would let it interfere with the hiring of a head coach. "

Harry Swinefield wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:44 AM:

" Why do we have such problem with coaches? Remember Houston's hire. He was really the 3rd or 4th choice. This year, we can't get any top notch basketball coach to come up there so we settle for a "second-tier" coach in Altman. He then changes his mind. We hear all the time about the football and basketball tradition, how the UA pay is very comparable for coaches, and how our facilities are second to none. Clearly, something else is wrong at Fayetteville!!! A lot of fans just cannot see it!!! "

What's Not Being Said wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:45 AM:

" Say what you will, but any coach willing to make a change to Arkansas would have some stipulations and assurances they would want in writing. If my stipulations were not in writing, I would leave quickly and never look back. "For My Family" is just a nice, non-confrontational way of saying "Thanks, but no thanks". Dana has as much class as Heath does. Too bad that doesn't rub off on those higher up. "

Face it hogs wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:46 AM:

" Nobody wants to be the pigs basketball coach. Get over it! "

The Natural wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:47 AM:

" Face it fans, the U of A is no longer a top tier program in either football or basketball. That is why they have trouble luring coaches to Fayetteville. I do have the answer, however. Hire Dickey Nutt as the basketball coach!!! That great Chinese coach Win One Soon would also be a great choice!!! "

Mike in magnolia wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:58 AM:

" Can we all just hold hands and sing Kumbiya? I hope no future coaching prospect is reading Arkansas blogs. They would run as fast as they could from us. Some of you that post are perfect reason people outside the state think we are nothing but a bunch of rednecks. "

Hogintheboard wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:59 AM:

" There are many coaches that would love to come to Arkansas but... Who knows who the AD will be next year and if they will come in a dump the whole coahing program. I would love to see Frank retire, Nutt fired and John McDonnell moved up to AD. He knows how to win and he IS what Integrity is! Honest, humble and just I great human being. We will get a coach, it may not be a top tier coach but we have the money so somebidy will take the challenge to come here. "

No Thank You wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:02 AM:

" To the idea of Scott Sutton... no thanks for Arkansas. He has not proven himself as an effective coach at ORU and we really need a fresh start here at Arkansas. Hiring one of Eddie's kids would just be too much. Though it sure seems like someone is runnig a PR campaign to see this happen. "

Yeah right wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:08 AM:

" to Hogintheboard>>>keep dreaming. None of the top coaches wants to be a hog. "

Bama Hog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:13 AM:

" Mike in Magnolia, you too are oozing. "

To Yeah Right wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:17 AM:

" I did not say they would be top tier but we will get a good coach. All of the great coaches started somewhere and Arkansas is somewhere and is better than a lot of places. You call it dreaming I call it open minded. "

Sad, but TRUE wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:28 AM:

" Nolan Richardson is not the only victim of discrimination at the U of A. Many have been victims of "dirty politics" at this institution. How sad for the proud and the arrogant for they shall have their reward. "

laughable wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:36 AM:

" how would you like to be the next coach we contact..knowing that he is our 5th or 6th option at this point..its like the athletic department is trying to make us the biggest joke in college sports. they are being pretty successful at that thats for sure! "

Hogs all the way wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:38 AM:

" Dana Altman, I say good luck and I understand that Arkansas was not a good fit for you and your family. I am sure he was rushed by the AD and White so they could pose on TV and all the dog and pony nonsense that is so popular now. Good Luck at Creighton, again. It is not always easy to find a place where you belong but when you do you really have to keep it. Lets face it Arkansas is not for everyone we are tough fans and we get in a feeding frenzy when things don't produce exactly what we expect. Coaching is tough everywhere but we are brutal fans sometimes. "

Me wrote on Apr 4, 2007 11:43 AM:

" Please, Nolan, please come back! "

Mojo wrote on Apr 4, 2007 12:55 PM:

" What a fiasco. Total freakin' chaos. I hope the full story comes out because Dana Altman is a first-rate coach and a first-rate human being, and I cannot believe he would accept the job then leave abruptly unless he was misled or crucial information was withheld. The situation with the athletic department will get worse before it gets better because we not only need a new AD, we need the old one to make like Elvis and leave the building. Stan Heath must be laughing his tail off right now. "

Razorgate wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:14 PM:

" what are we hiding now UA?? "

el toro de la muerte wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:18 PM:

" Hey, Mike in Magnolia. The University of Iowa bloggers said the same thing when Alford was chased off. They were afraid nobody would take the job because of all of the negative blogging. Don't worry about it. Iowa got a pretty good coach in Todd Lickliter (Altman turned them down, too, only it was before he took the job.) It might take some time, but you Hogs will get a good coach. You're in a great conference, and UA has a good hoop tradition. Someone worthwhile will want it. It's just getting toughter these days because there's so much money to throw around and the competition for good coaches is fierce. A lot of similar schools have had trouble in recent years finding the right fit quickly. "

View from afar wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:19 PM:

" Is it possible that potential NCAA violations scared off Altman? "

to view from afar wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:22 PM:

" Absolutely not. Any NCAA violations at this point would mean Arkansas would be sanctioned as a repeat offender. This would essentially mean the death penalty--virtually the end of all collegiate sports at the University of Arkansas. There is no way FB would allow any NCAA infractions. "

40 Minutes of ____ Fan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:26 PM:

" RE: ME :"Please, Nolan, please come back!" Ditto! Keep it up folks, haven't had this much fun in some time. Like a previous writer said, "This is better than Reality TV." I look forward to the comments. "

Cliffy wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:36 PM:

" I don't buy for a second that this is just because of family reasons. It's nice of him to cover for us though. Now then we need to clean house starting with Frank and Nutt. Razorbacktalk.com "

not mad at altman wrote on Apr 4, 2007 1:53 PM:

" It's a bit amazing to read some of the comments on the string. The level of anger at Dana Altman is embarrassing. Moreso are the comments that presume Altman is washed up at Creighton. Read the Omaha World-Herald site. He got a hero's welcome there today at a press conference in the arena. And the World-Herald's blog for readers' comments is about 95 percent favorable to him. See http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=2359489 He will do all right there and I'm glad. I realize that in the eyes of many Altman committed the unpardonable sin of not wanting to be a Razorback. Sorry that upsets you so much. "

Razorgate wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:06 PM:

" to: to view from afar: were you being sarcastic?? "

View from afar wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:13 PM:

" No, I wasn't really being sarcastic. Wally Hall's column today in the Arkansas Democrat referred to "rumors that several players were ineligible, some had tested positive for drugs and that others may have had their hands out." The players with their hands out comment is why I asked about possible violations. "

DC Wornock wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:14 PM:

" I know things happen, but it's depressing. Arkansas is having much more than their share of dramma. First all the football stuff and now basketball. Not only that, but we have to listen to those that will someone when he is down. At least most Arkansas fans have more class than to do that. I don't know if there is more to the story or not. Maybe Broyles led Altman to believe he would have complete control over the basketball program. If so, I'm sure he meant it. However, maybe White had other ideas. It appears to me that Arkansas sports have had more than their normal share of problems every since White arrived ten years ago. He has never given Broyles the authority to make the decisions Broyles enjoyed for years. "

jerry wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:16 PM:

" please go get a good goach 4get about winnning the press conference. "

to: view from afar wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:23 PM:

" All those sound like athlete infractions. My point was that there was no way Frank would allow this to happen right now. Getting tagged as a repeat offender on the last hours of Frank's watch would be a national embarassment--it just won't happen. Repeat offender sanctions right now would destroy what little is left of Arkansas Athletics. It would take a strong , moral leader with impeccable family values like Houston Nutt to take over as AD. "

hogger wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:23 PM:

" Let's just go ahead and get Doc Sadler, I'm sure he would come to his home state and not renege on the University. Then everyone can shut up about off-season sports and we can talk about a sport in season that's doing well: BASEBALL "

Marcellus Hambrick wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:27 PM:

" Whoever you get for a coach make sure the wife doesn't like to forward emails that criticize your players. I'm sorry, that is no big deal. Nothing would come of up. No repercussions!!!! "

Bama Hog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:27 PM:

" TO: "Here's a Available Coach" - I here Charles Smith is no longer available as he is heading to take over at Tulsa! "

Violations wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:38 PM:

" I want more on this information about possible NCAA violations....get on it Morning News!!! "

MN Hog Fan wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:39 PM:

" My two cents: Larry Eustachy, formerly of Iowa State and currently turning around the program at Southern Miss. The guy is a highly credentialed coach who deserves a 2nd chance on the big stage. He's been humbled by his one miserable mistake. "

WHYNOT wrote on Apr 4, 2007 2:55 PM:

" WHY NOT HIRE PAT SUMMIT FROM TN TO BE THE NEW MEN'S COACH. WE KNOW SHE CAN WIN "

479 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 3:08 PM:

" i think we need to hire our homie nolan cause we are rolling for nolan....or we can get charles barkely is he available "

KC Hog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 3:46 PM:

" Someone on here mentioned that Houston Nutt should take over as AD. You've got to be kidding me! If he takes over I won't be donating any more money to the athletic department. I think a lot of people will feel the exact same way. "

Buzzinbugaha wrote on Apr 4, 2007 4:19 PM:

" Dana Altman is a quality man and coach. He is very private. If there is more to the story, it will likely never be leaked by him. I think he was rushed and he wanted to be at a place where an NCAA championship could be attainable. I bet his family was caught up in his initial enthusiasm and didn't want to leave their home. I believe that he was offered a job, SIGN NOW or the offer disappears. I know FB was in a hurry due to the time elapsing since the SH firing, but I truly believe that he wanted to get to Augusta tout de suite. He is not up to the Big AD job anymore. Hey Bama Hog - I don't think it's likely that DA was intimidated by the BIG ARENA and the BIG PROGRAM. I think the hog call may have made him think "what in the blue blazes am I doing here?" "

To KC Hog wrote on Apr 4, 2007 4:51 PM:

" You actually donate money to the athletic department, on top of the ticket sales, TV money, bowl money, and licensed merchandise royalties ?! .... P T Barnum was right: There is a sucker born every minute. "

To 479 wrote on Apr 4, 2007 4:59 PM:

" You are on the right track, but I am thinking Michael Jordan for head coach. He doesn't need the money and the players will do anything and everything he says. "

Lazarus wrote on Apr 4, 2007 5:44 PM:

" Why, after hiring a new coach did Broyles take off for the Masters? Especially if there were questions about this coach? And didn't he sign a contract? Or was that forgotten in the haste to get to Augusta.... yeah we need a new coach... we need to get rid of coach Broyles- sooner rather than later. Its 2007 and he still finds coaches like its 1970... get in the real world Mr. Broyles. Stop leaking info without a signed contract, and acting like a used car salesman.This is the RAZORBACK program and you should have acted more professionally. Chancellor White should be FIRED along with Broyles for not getting this handled properly from the start ...Hey - heres an orignal thought--- get a new coach BEFORE you fire Stan Heath---whodathunkit??? Can I collect some of that moolah?? "

Brazos wrote on Apr 4, 2007 7:00 PM:

" And the spiral continues. 2 players test positive for substance abuse and one suspended for grades. What next? "

Bring on.... wrote on Apr 4, 2007 10:15 PM:

" Anthony Grant or Reggie Theus "

Not to worry wrote on Apr 5, 2007 1:33 PM:

" Houston Nutt will never be named AD at the University of Arkansas--not after the FOI request turned up his phone/text messaging records during the whole Mustain email debacle. The press is sitting on the investigative file but it is freely available from many internet sites. "

Jays Forever wrote on Apr 12, 2007 3:42 PM:

" Dana was not scared of the Arkansas job. Big arena? ... No, as Creighton's average attendance is over 16,000/game. SEC reputation? ... No, but the SEC's reputation of not graduating it players might have disturbed him. Living in NW Arkansas? ... Well, very pretty country, but not it wasn't home. Dana loves it in Omaha ... great city (over 820,000 MSA) ... Great university ... players graduate. We're glad he is home for good. "

Axel wrote on May 11, 2007 5:16 PM:

" Good Work! "

Josh wrote on May 13, 2007 1:58 AM:

" Good Work! tpain tim magraw tawnie split coast stampers spiral perms shiki no uta mp3 sasha rudin "

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