• Email this story
• Print this story
• Comment on this story

LITTLE ROCK -- If any decision is made about Houston Nutt's future as head football coach at the University of Arkansas, both retiring athletic director Frank Broyles and his successor, Jeff Long, will be involved, University of Arkansas System President B. Alan Sugg said Friday.

In an interview following a meeting of the university's board of trustees at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Sugg said any decision on Nutt's future would be Chancellor John White's to make, but he said White told the board during an executive session that he would consult with Broyles and Long before acting.

"There was no discussion directly about the coach. ... John talked in generalities about where we are and what role Frank Broyles would play in any decisions that were made, and what role Jeff (Long would play)," Sugg said.

"If there's any decision to be made," Sugg said, paraphrasing White, "It would be a collective decision on the part of Frank Broyles and Jeff Long and Dr. White.'"

Long will succeed Broyles as athletic director Jan. 1.

White declined to comment on his remarks to the board during the closed-door session. Asked if he has spoken with Nutt about the possibility of Nutt leaving the university, White said he had not.