Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Friday’s Arkansas bowl practice media availability …

I. Search Continues
Bobby Petrino didn’t want to spend much time on Friday’s Cotton Bowl teleconference talking about his search for a defensive coordinator. He did note a few qualities that he is looking for in the spot formerly occupied by Willy Robinson.

Petrino said he is evaluating candidates based on experience, character and ability to relate with players.

“There’s a lot involved in that,” Petrino said. “I’m not sure today is the day to get into that. But first of all, any time you hire somebody, you’re looking at their experience, their character, what you know about them. How they can relate to our players and how our players are going to relate to them.

“There are a number of things that are involved in making that decision.”

Petrino did not expand much on how the process is going. He did not rule out the possibility of making an in-house hire, meaning he could chose from Steve Caldwell and Bobby Allen, who both have coordinator experience, or Reggie Johnson, who has filled in for the defensive coordinators on two different Petrino staffs. Other names linked to the search through reports include former Miami head coach Randy Shannon, former Ole Miss defensive coordinator Ty Nix and Ohio State co-coordinator Paul Haynes.

“We’re just in the process of evaluating everything and how we’re going to move forward,” Petrino said.

Part of the transition with Willy Robinson gone and John L. Smith now at Weber State has included shuffling responsibilities. Bobby Allen is working with defensive backs and Kevin Peoples, who had been in an administrative capacity, is putting his defensive line coaching experience to use.

It is unclear if these are permanent changes or just for the bowl game.

Petrino said Arkansas is "fortunate to have Bobby Allen on our staff" because of his versatility.

“We’ve had Kevin Peoples on our staff now for two years, knowing that there was going to be an opportunity for him to step in and work with the defensive front, which he’s done his entire career as a coach," Petrino said. "I think he’s very, very good at it. So I know he’s excited to be out there ... He’s done a really nice job. Both of them have.”

II. Looking For Feedback
Tight end Chris Gragg and quarterback Tyler Wilson have each submitted their names for feedback from the NFL Draft Advisory board. Both said they expected to be back for 2012, but wanted to see where they stood.

Wilson, named earlier this week as the coaches and Associated Press first-team, All-SEC quarterback, has thrown for 3,422 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions.