FAYETTEVILLE -- Many of Arkansas' football players campaigned Thursday for interim head coach Reggie Herring. In a meeting with University of Arkansas Chancellor John White and athletic director designee Jeff Long, the Razorbacks described why their defensive coordinator of three seasons deserved to lose the "interim" title.

They then found out Tuesday that Bobby Petrino had ensured Herring wouldn't lead the Razorbacks next season. Several players, though open-minded about the former Louisville and Atlanta Falcons coach, took the news hard.

"Coach Herring has been a great coach, a great man," sophomore receiver London Crawford said. "He always keeps pushing us. It's too bad he won't be the coach because that's a man, that's a real man.

"He stands up for what he believes in, and he believes in winning. He believes in making you a better man and believes in consistency. And that's what we need on our team. He would've been a great head coach for this team. It's kind of disappointing he didn't get it."

If Herring was upset about being passed up for the position, he didn't show it while addressing reporters after Arkansas' practice Tuesday. He declined comment when asked whether he hoped to stay on as a defensive coordinator on Petrino's new staff.

Herring did say he assumed he'd coach Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. And he offered his praise for Razorback fans.

"I'd like to take this time to personally thank all Arkansas people and fans for their support," Herring said. "It means the world to me and my family, as it does to these players. Anytime you can support anybody who's out there fighting for you, it's deeply, deeply appreciated.

"... I appreciate the Arkansas fans and all the support they've given me in the last few weeks. It's my biggest gift in the world, and I can feel good about this as we pass the baton to the new coach. We wish him the best."

Sophomore cornerback Jerell Norton was conflicted.

"To be honest, I've got mixed emotions," Norton said. "Coach Herring was someone that we loved and wanted at that position. But we're open-minded. Whoever they bring in, we felt like our AD was going to bring in somebody that was best for us."

Some defensive players urged Tuesday that they hoped Herring would consider remaining in Fayetteville. Junior defensive tackle Ernest Mitchell said his friends on the team strongly wanted Herring back.

Crawford agreed with those teammates, but he admitted Herring should make the correct decision for his career and for his family.

"Regardless of what he does," Crawford said, "he is still going to be here in my heart."