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Pelphrey 'A Good Fit' For Arkansas

Former Kentucky Star Introduced As Razorbacks Coach

Last updated Monday, April 9, 2007 9:39 PM CDT in News

By Ryan Malashock
The Morning News

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FAYETTEVILLE -- John Pelphrey took the Razorbacks hat from the hands of Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles and slipped it on his head while smiling wide Monday afternoon. The cap fit perfectly.

Arkansas introduced Pelphrey as its 14th basketball coach in school history Monday, and University of Arkansas Chancellor John White insisted Pelphrey fit as Arkansas' coach just as impeccably as the cap.

In that moment, everyone in Bud Walton Arena realized that this Monday news conference would produce a coach far more comfortable with Arkansas.

The Monday before, Dana Altman was introduced as Arkansas' coach. But he returned to Creighton University the next day. He didn't even put the cap on his head.

This time around, though, Arkansas seems to have found a coach who wanted the job just as much as his potential employer wanted him. Pelphrey, 38, comes to Arkansas after going 80-67 in five seasons at South Alabama and spending six seasons as a Florida assistant coach under Billy Donovan before that.

"I have been a great, great admirer of the University of Arkansas for a long time, both as a player (at Kentucky) and as a coach," Pelphrey said. "It is an honor and a privilege for me to be a part of the University of Arkansas, and I am going to take great, great pride in being the Razorback coach.

"You have to understand, my whole life my blood has bled blue and I still love my alma mater. But today, my blood bleeds Arkansas Razorback red. This is a dream job for me."

White said he was thrilled to land a coach who wouldn't force Arkansas into a third coach announcement.

"I have to admit that I feel like I'm Bill Murray in the movie 'Groundhog Day,' but don't plan on coming to a press conference next Monday," White said. "Enough is enough."

Pelphrey's hiring ended the dramatic two-week search that began when Arkansas fired Stan Heath on March 26.

Altman backed out after as many as six candidates reportedly declined overtures or offers, including Kentucky's Billy Gillispie, Kansas' Bill Self and Memphis' John Calipari.

That put Arkansas in the unenviable position of having to find another coach. Broyles and White decided to consult with a search firm and paid Parker Executive Search, of Atlanta, $90,000 to assist them.

White said Arkansas may not have hired Pelphrey without the search firm and that the money was well spent. He said the amount of resources provided by the firm, which did searches for Iowa, Minnesota, Kentucky and south Florida, was somewhat shocking.

"The search firm was able to bring us a lot of information that's not out there for the public," White said. "We were in the second day of the process with the firm, and coach Broyles turned to me and said, 'I should've (used the firm) three weeks ago.'"

The process formally began last Wednesday, when Broyles and White traveled to Dallas to first meet with the firm. On Saturday, the two and Arkansas sports information director Kevin Trainor traveled back to Dallas.

There, the firm presented them with a short list of candidates, and they met with all of those candidates Saturday in Dallas. In the end, they settled on Pelphrey.

White said the firm did such a phenomenal job that any of the short-list candidates would have sufficed.

But he and Broyles both came away enamored with Pelphrey, who will bring assistant coach Tom Ostrom with him from South Alabama and fill out his staff this week. The status, or job prospects, for Arkansas assistant Glynn Cyprien were unknown.

Broyles and White both actually thought of Pelphrey initially, even as Broyles chased big name after big name. But they both knew that Pelphrey, a former Kentucky player, would wait to see what happened with his alma mater's opening.

"He would not talk to us until after the Kentucky job was filled," Broyles said. "I'm sure he was on the Kentucky short list."

That didn't stop Florida coach Billy Donovan and athletic director Jeremy Foley from calling Broyles and White to recommend the former Florida assistant coach. So once Gillispie took the Kentucky job, Pelphrey pressed hard for the Arkansas position.

In his talks with Broyles and White, he spoke like a man who knew his Arkansas basketball.

At Monday's news conference, Pelphrey talked about the "Triplets" -- former Razorbacks basketball players Sidney Moncrief, Ron Brewer and Marvin Delph -- who took Arkansas to the Final Four in 1978. He talked about U.S. Reed's half-court buzzer-beater in the 1981 NCAA Tournament.

He talked about Barnhill Arena, as well as "Barnhill South" (Reunion Arena in Dallas). He talked about the past achievements of Eddie Sutton and Nolan Richardson.

He talked about his familiarity with the Hog Call. And yes, he and his wife, Tracy, seemed to enjoy themselves throughout the Hog Call, unlike the bewildered Altman couple.

"Coach Broyles made a terrific comment," White said. "He said, '(Pelphrey) didn't come in here selling himself. He came in selling the Arkansas program."

He likely sold fans on his basketball acumen pretty fast, as well.

Simply put, Pelphrey told Arkansas fans, "Your style of play is back."

"I want our teams to constantly attack offensively and defensively," Pelphrey said. "We want to be as disruptive as we possibly can. We don't want to let our opponents do what they do every day in practice."

The new coach then drew a few laughs with an interesting description of his frantic style of defense. "It's a 'mother-in-law' defense," Pelphrey said. "Constant pressure and harassment."

Pelphrey's selection had Broyles surprisingly quoting Richardson at the news conference.

"Nolan Richardson had a great quote the other day in the paper," Broyles said. "He said you don't hire a coach and make him fit. You hire someone who fits the job."

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Reader Comments (30 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.

texashogfan wrote on Apr 9, 2007 9:36 PM:

" Okay, how long will JP stay?? do I hear three days a week???? "

Hog Fan wrote on Apr 9, 2007 9:39 PM:

" Hey! I was the first one to leave a message when this story was posted. Guess they don't approve of all messages. "

Hog Fan wrote on Apr 9, 2007 9:42 PM:

" For a recap ... I am very distraught over the cr*p my athletic department has allowed over the past 15 years. I was there in 1992. This is worse. Frank is horrible. Good riddance. May we start a new era. "

Sammy wrote on Apr 9, 2007 9:54 PM:

" Quit making such a big freaking deal about how well the coaches do or don't do the Hog Call. Enough! Did anyone see the players doing the Hog Call? They can't do it either. It is not a prerequisite! Quit overplaying it!! "

classless_fan wrote on Apr 9, 2007 9:58 PM:

" Stan Heath should have never been let go in the first place. Arkansas had 21 wins with the 10th or 11th toughest schedule in division one. Mr Kentucky, had 20 wins with the 126th toughest schedule in america. Stan Heath had three top 15 recruiting classes. Mr Kentucky has none. Broyles and his buddy, the Judais chancellor white are a disgrace and embarassment. "

Poisty wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:03 PM:

" Coach Broyles has done a lot of great things for the UA, while simultaneouly making mistakes. He will retire in December. Hopefully we will bring in a very effective athletic director who will also make major contributions to the UA and the community. Perhaps the new AD will deal with some of your concerns. "

True Hog Fan wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:03 PM:

" Congrats to Coach Pelphrey...being a true hog fan, and supporting both the team AND the coaches is what the fans are hear for...i wish coach and the players all the best for the next season..we support you and are excited to see what the next season is to bring...we will be praying for you!!! Woo Pig Sooie!!! "

Poisty wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:10 PM:

" Class less fan: In his fifth year SH was 7-9 in regular season conferece play. The west division was very weak. SH's team had a terrible record on the road. I am glad he is gone because I think at the best he was just an average coach. While JP was not my first choice I think Hog fans need to give him a chance. P. UA67, UA70 "

Celery wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:15 PM:

" Congratulations Arkansas. You got a great coach and someone who truly wants to be here. Pelphrey truly is a good fit and I for one am glad to have someone who is not only wanting to take the hogs to the next level, but has fire in his belly to get it done. Welcome Welcome Welcome Coach Pelphrey. Dang that sounds good. Hang in there Pelphrey, the fans tried to run Nolan out the first few years. You will win most nay sayers over just give it time. "

tnew wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:29 PM:

" This is as good as we could have wanted. No red colored glasses for me but this hire is more intriguing than the Altman deal. Yeh, there is a bunch of spin up on the hill but I would rather a young hungry guy wanting to make a name than a big name looking for a notch in the belt and a big payday. I like the hire, should've done this in the first place, but this mess did get Arkansas in the national news for a little bit. Lets see what Pelphrey can do with it. I was really critical of the Heath firing and I am still critical of Nutt but I will throw everything at Pelphrey. I hope he is singing "Hard to be Humble" soon. Go Hogs. "

STILL NEUTRAL AND ENTERTAINED IN CT wrote on Apr 9, 2007 10:35 PM:

" You guys are at it already. In yesterday's comments, a fan said the buzzword would be "FIT," and it sure is -- all of a sudden, after how many coaches blew you guys off? -- this guy is a good "FIT," like a nice pair of pants. WHAT, Gillespie wouldn't have been a good fit, but he is at KY.? Well you will all keep it coming. That popmpous chancellor of yours spun a bunch of words as if your savior has arrived. A savior whose RPI was 127 in his 5th year, twice as bad as the year before? Think how hard Donovan and Pitino are laughing at the accolades they gave him -- think Donovan would have let him go when he could have paid him twice as much as a FL assistant? Not our problem here in CT, we've got problems too just not as enjoyable to watch so as always, we thank you. "

What do the haters expect? wrote on Apr 10, 2007 12:02 AM:

" What more do you folks want at this point? Do you want Pelphrey to leave as Altman did, just to spite Broyles' face? Do you really think we could still land a Calipari or Self at this point if we drove the new guy away? Do you think more chaos will force Nutt out before the '07 season? Get over yourselves! Frank will be gone soon enough, and Houston won't survive another season. Anyone who wants more than that at this point is living in the dreamworld of 1964 and 1994. Stop acting like the world owes Arkansas something and start building the school's reputation anew, starting with your support of this basketball program and the promise Pelphrey represents, regardless of the man's South Alabama record or past RPI scores. Do that, or root for a new team. "

Bill Heath - North Hollywood, California wrote on Apr 10, 2007 2:28 AM:

" My very best to coach John Pelphrey! I wish him the very best in winning at the University of Arkansas. "

Who cares wrote on Apr 10, 2007 5:53 AM:

" I don't "

KsRazorback wrote on Apr 10, 2007 6:40 AM:

" WELCOME University of Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey!! I am excited, Arkansas has brought back the run and Big D... This is all about a new era for fans like me who enjoy the Razorbacks!! I love the Football, Basketball, Baseball and Track that this University has given the State of Arkansas... Go Razorbacks!! "

sam_jones5 wrote on Apr 10, 2007 7:14 AM:

" Go hogs this is a good hire . This man is hungry and will make Arkansas again what it is soppose to be top of the hill .I LOVE YOU HOGS AND U ARE COMING BACK ,WORK HARD PLAYERS AMD U WILL BE FIND AND U WILL HAVE ALL OF THE GOOD ARKANSAS FANS BEHIND YOU WE LOVE YOU HOGS AND NOW KNOW U ARE IN GOOD HANDS , GOD BLESS ALL OF U AND WORK HARD AND WE GOOD HOG FANS WILL WORK HARD FOR YOU "

BCR wrote on Apr 10, 2007 8:00 AM:

" The win-loss record belongs to the players as well... I don't ever remember seeing a coach grab a ball and win a game. He's the leader, and motivator of a group of strong players. Most of these kids have been playing B-ball since birth, and know the game. If they're good players, and can take direction, they'll win. The coach teaches talented kids to play as a team, that's all. I wish him the best, and hope THE PLAYERS win next season. "

HOGG wrote on Apr 10, 2007 8:14 AM:

" Congratulations. University of Arkansas is getting and a good coach and is not having to pay big bucks. Being mediocre will not hurt as bad now. "

Body language.. wrote on Apr 10, 2007 8:29 AM:

" says it all. His body language and tone of voice said it all. HE WANTS TO BE HERE. I do believe that those of you who have been complaining about Heath didn't bother to show up at any of the games. If you did, the house would have been full and SH would still be here. You know JP is going to do anything he can to beat Billy Boy and the gators and I can't wait. To one up your former boss is what a lot of people would like to do. He will make a statement, got to earn my keep and bring back the glory to the HILL. We all need to support JP and the team even if you don't agree with JFB and White, the kids need our support. Maybe now they will get the discipline they have needed the past 5 years. They will need it to play JP brand of 40 minutes of He**. GO HOGS GO!! "

Great Hire wrote on Apr 10, 2007 9:16 AM:

" I think Arkansas has a great new coach and am ready to roll. Go Hogs! Welcome Coach Pelphrey! "

longtimehogfan wrote on Apr 10, 2007 9:21 AM:

" This is my first and last posting. Perhaps we should all just shut up and wait and see. If JP is a success and I would hope that we are all hoping for that, some of the words posted here are going to taste terrible coming back up.........Go Hog Go "

QUESTION TO HOG FANS FROM CT wrote on Apr 10, 2007 9:22 AM:

" I posted this question elsewhere. First, good wishes and good fortune for your program. But did I read White's comments correctly: DID WHITE ADMIT HE HIRED THE FIRM TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO KENTUCKY'S PRIVATE LIST AND OFFERS? Think the firm and Kentucky are happy with that disclosure? Any scruples in that administration????? "

nuttyad wrote on Apr 10, 2007 9:55 AM:

" Come on you all. Frank will never leave. We all know who he has been grooming for ad for years, Houston Nutt. Which is why he was never fired. We will finally get a new football coach soon, but at what cost.. Good Luck to Pelphrey...... "

MOHOG wrote on Apr 10, 2007 9:57 AM:

" Welcome Coach Pelphrey, I wish you many years of success. You show'em what the Hogs are capable of. Pay no attention to the negative fans. These aren't happy at home either. Go HOGS!! "

GATORBAIT wrote on Apr 10, 2007 10:29 AM:

" WELCOME PELPREY AKA GATORBAIT.....JUST A NOTHER COUCH IN THE SEC TOO CHOMP ON......AULTHMAN MADES A GOOD DECISON YOU WILL SOON FIND OUT!!!!!! GO GATORS!!! CHOMP CHOP!!! "

skylights wrote on Apr 10, 2007 12:32 PM:

" Do we really want a coach who refers to his defense by saying "It's a 'mother-in-law' defense, Constant pressure and harassment."? That probably put about half the listeners on the defensive..at least it did me. "

To Skylights wrote on Apr 10, 2007 12:44 PM:

" What you have never heard of sarcasm "

Bama Hog wrote on Apr 10, 2007 4:25 PM:

" To Skylights...yeah, but the other 50% knew exactly what he was talking about. Except in my case his defense would also talk over you. "

GonzoHog wrote on Apr 11, 2007 5:07 AM:

" Every person who has something bad to say about coach Pelphrey, without even seeing him coach, will be singing a different tune this time next year. "

kennyluv wrote on Apr 12, 2007 9:24 PM:

" Take a look at where Pelphrey came from. South Alabama, Who? If he had a winning record there wait and see what he's going to do for you ungrateful razerback fans. And by the way, why do you think you actually deserve anything better than what you've had in the past. If the way he played at Kentucky is any indication of the effort he'll bring to Arkansas you won't have him for very long either until he moves on to bigger and better things. "

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