ESPN.com: Arkansas fires coach John Pelphrey
Arkansas has fired coach John Pelphrey after four seasons with the Razorbacks, the school said Sunday.
Also:
- ArkansasRazorbacks.com: Pelphrey dismissed as UA coach, Jeff Long Press Conference (Video)
- AP: Jeff Long Saw Attendance Dip, ‘Student-Athlete Experience’ As Reasons For Pelphrey Firing
- Robbie Neiswanger: Arkansas Fires Pelphrey, Opens National Search, Timeline of John Pelphrey’s Tenure
- Matt Jones: Long: Player Experience Was Lacking
- Chris Bahn: Razorbacks’ Jeff Long Provides Insight Into How He’ll Handle Replacing Pelphrey, Players, Long See Pelphrey Dismissal as Chance to Return to ‘National Prominence’
- Razorback Nation (Video): Summary of the John Pelphrey Era, Analysis On Pelphrey Firing
- 4029TV.com (Video): The John Pelphrey Era: A Look Back
Earlier:
- Matt Jones: Pelphrey Fired at Arkansas
- Robbie Neiswanger: Pelphrey Out At Arkansas
- Chris Bahn: John Pelphrey Out as Basketball Coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks
I'm thinking Long wouldn't have done this, given the ostensibly great incoming class, if he didn't feel pretty confident in landing a quality coach. Maybe he's already been on the phone with Mike?
Well, here we go again. I sure hope the Hill has someone lined up this time (though I wouldn't have any real idea who that could be at this time…). If the process drags out too long it'll be too reminiscent of our last coaching hire.
Don't want Anderson; too much of what I've read on Mizzo's boards sounds like what I read on our boards. I've had quite enough of that bs.
It would be fantastic if this hire turns out even remotely as well as Petrino's… unfortunately I believe we're about to see what typically happens in these situations when you don't have the Dream Hire fall right in your lap.
Expect the process to take a while. Most of the folks we might want will be coaching the the tournament. So we better hope that whoever Long's top picks are lose early in the big dance. Perhaps the Mike Anderson thing is just nostalgia.
Bingo… you nailed this one perfectly!
A few challenges to all Razorback fans:
* If you had faith in Long and wanted him to keep Pelphrey, you didn't get your wish, but now you have to have faith that the right decision was made and that we'll find a good coach as replacement.
* If you were tired of Pelphrey and wanted him gone, you got your wish, but now it's time to support the AD to pick a good replacement.
In either case, it's time to re-invest in the team and know that all change is not fun.
I, for one, am looking forward to the search and hope they can get basketball back to a competitive level.
I'll pass on your 'challenge' (I fell into the first camp). Simply being a member of this dysfunctional fan base is challenge enough, thanks.
Btw, what is your definition of a 'competitive level'?
I'll let Jeff Long define it: "As a program, our initial goals are to challenge for Southeastern Conference championships, compete in the NCAA tournament …"
Well, assuming Pel's last recruiting class can't be held together, you might have a long wait on that…(and maybe if they can).
Unfortunately, I don't have much faith in Long… if we blows this, I'd say fire him!
From a well placed source-everything is in place for Travis Ford to be hired as new coach of the University of Arkansas. Go Hogs and good luck Travis!
Why in the hell would we even think about settling for this guy? And why the love affair with Mike Anderson? He can't keep an average team in the top 25 at Missouri, and we are far from an average team at the moment. He was among the last 4-5 teams in the tourney this year with a veteran team and 5 years under his belt – that should not be the case with quality coaches!!! And why would ANYONE bring up Billy Gillispie? As we saw while he was at Kensuckey, he can't handle the big-time pressure.
The only guy mentioned that seems feasible as a contender is Buzz Williams. I also saw someone mention Tubby Smith, who I always thought got a raw deal up in bluegrass country. Both of those seem like great candidates. The others, leave them be!!!
If that were true, it would have been better to give Pel another year.
I for one am sorry to see Coach Pel gone. Class individual and coach. I thought that they would give him a year with his incoming recruits. The high rollers with big egos and tiny wisdom probably spoke. I tend toward OwassoHog as far as trusing AD Long. The jury is still out with me re: Long. Likely, EEO entered into Long's thinking. However, whether he meant it or not, Nolan said he hoped that John received another year. I suppose we will look to the paying fans to pay up for this buy out and for an incoming coach.
Definitely mixed feelings on his departure… can't quit thinking that we just reset this whole thing for 3-4 more years. Sad either way.
Bad timing all the way around on this one, unless there has been a deal already struck we aren't aware of.
It would have been nice to see if the Hogs were going to make the NIT first. That would have given this team more time to improve and gain more confidence before next season with a couple more possible wins.
That will not happen now, even with the assistants running the show.
They won't have motivation to coach the kids up, just to be let go when the new coaching staff arrives. (Remember the 2008 Cotton Bowl?)
Unfortunately, Mike Anderson looks to be the best candidate for the job.
He certainly isn't my first choice, but he does like a running style brand of basketball.
B.J. Young has already made clear he would like to play for a coach with this style of play, but as we already know, Anderson never offered a scholorship to Young or Florida commit, Bradley Beal. (Both 5 star recruits in Anderson's own back yard)
I'm sure all these other recruits would appeal to the same, considering their talents and the fact they've had months to call and text each other about the excitement of playing together as future Razorbacks under CJP.
I'm afraid Anderson may be our best hope right now. (if he takes the job)
If he takes it, we'll just have to hope all the recruits make the choice to stay commited. If not, we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed everything doesn't blow up in our faces.
What now, Jeff?
B.J. Young said he want's to play for a coach that employs a running style brand of basketball. Mike Anderson fits that brand, but there's only one problem. Anderson never offered Young or Florida commit, Bradley Beal a scholorship. They're both 5 star recruits in Anderson's own back yard. I hope I'm wrong if Anderson takes the job, but I smell disaster.
GonzoHog, I just can't help but to think that Mike has no up side here… but who knows.
WHAT IF WE COULD SEE MIKE ANDERSON'S RETURN ALONG WITH SCOTTY THURMAN AND CORLISS WILLIAMSON ON THE STAFF AND NOLAN RICHARDSON IN THE STANDS?I KNOW IT'S WISHING FOR HOPE AND DREAMING OF A FANTASY BUT,HEY LAST TIME WE LET A COACH GO WE ENDED UP IN HOG HEAVEN DIDN'T WE????