Altman Changes Mind, Returns to Creighton

Yesterday, Creighton head men's basketball coach Dana Altman was announced as the new basketball coach at Arkansas. Today, Altman changed his mind.

One day after his introduction in Fayetville, Altman has decided to return to Creighton. That's just wierd.



Edit:

It's not the first time a coach has accepted a job, been introduced as the new coach to media and fans, and changed his mind days later. Bobby Cremins was the head coach at Georgia Tech when he accepted the South Carolina job. Days later, he returned to Georgia Tech. And just two years ago, Rick Majerus was introduced as the head coach at USC. He, too, changed his mind a few days later.

Altman was a good choice for Arkansas, but Hogs fans, apparently, weren't exactly thrilled with his hiring. Arkansas is a small place. Razorback athletics mean everything to the locals. Arkansas fans expected a high profile coach.

Dana Altman is an outstanding X's & O's coach, but has a milquetoast personality. He's built a great mid major program at Creighton. But Arkansas fans have unrealistic expectations for their beloved Hogs. The Razorback state was abuzz with the rumor that Bill Self would leave Kansas for Fayetville. John Calipari was the "second choice" for many in Hogville.

But Arkansas just isn't that hot of a job. The mid-nineties glory days (when Nolan Richardson's teams were subjecting opponents to "forty minutes of hell") are quickly becoming distant memories. The school just fired a basketball coach (Stan Heath) who, in four years, rebuilt the program and made back to back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2006 and '07. And, perhaps worst of all, the coach has to live Arkansas.

I'd be surprised if Arkansas is able to hire a "big name" coach, as their fans demand. Dana Altman was a good choice. It's unlikely that Arkansas will find someone better.