Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

3/13/2011 at 8:38pm

Jeff Long provided some insight into how he'll conduct the search for John Pelphrey's replacement.

Arkansas is in the market for a basketball coach after parting ways with John Pelphrey on Sunday.

Athletic Director Jeff Long shed some light on how he plans to handle the hiring process during a press conference with reporters. Below we touch on a five things we learned:

Who is involved in the search?

This is Jeff Long’s hire.

There are no plans to put together a formal search committee, and Long hopes to get a coach on his own. He’ll use a search firm if it comes to that, but Long (and everybody else who remembers the last hire made via search firm) said he would like to avoid outside entities.

Long did say he would listen to folks in his inner circle that he trusts.

How much is Arkansas willing to pay?

Specific dollar amounts weren’t mentioned by Long. We do know Pelphrey made $1.2 million this year and whoever is hired should command at least that, but to get a coach with the sort of national relevance Long spoke of will likely cost more.

Long did say that the school would make a financial commitment to basketball. He did, however, caution that there are limits to what Arkansas will pay.

“Money is an object. Anyone to say it isn't would be irresponsible,” Long said, before quickly adding, “we think we have resources needed to attract a high-quality coach.”

What is Long looking for?

Fit. Style of play. Ability to run a program on and off the floor. Those are among the factors Long will consider.

But No. 1 on his list?

“I am interested in winning,” Long said.

Essentially, Long wants somebody with experience at a high level and success over a period of years. He’s aiming higher than a one- or two-year wonder like the last hires.

Who is on the short list?

No names were revealed at the press conference. Outside speculation has included: Minnesota’s Tubby Smith, Marquette’s Buzz Williams, Texas A&M’s Mark Turgeon, Wichita State's Greg Marshall and Missouri’s Mike Anderson.

That doesn’t mean any of those guys will be hired or that they’re actually on Long’s radar. He likes to keep things close to the vest, so it’s possible we’ll all be surprised.

Who exactly has Long hired at Arkansas?

Football coach Bobby Petrino is unquestionably the best of Long’s five hires since taking over in 2008. Petrino guided the Razorbacks to the program’s first BCS Bowl appearance and 10 wins in 2010.

Beyond Petrino, the jury is still out on Long’s other picks. Here’s the list. We’ll update with info on records and success at Arkansas in a bit:

*Erin Aubrey, Soccer
*Chris Bucknam, Men’s Track/Cross Country
*Mike Larabee, Softball
*Bobby Petrino, Football
*Robert Pulliza, Volleyball

Tagged: Arkansas Razorbacks, John Pelphrey, Jeff Long, Bobby Petrino, Tubby Smith, Mark Turgeon, Erin Aubrey, CHris Bucknam, Mike Larabee, Mike Anderson, Robert Pulliza