JIM HARRIS: McDonnell Will Leave a Legacy Unparalleled

The last time the University of Arkansas issued this kind of press release - that a "major announcement" was being made regarding the future of one of the Hogs' many athletic endeavors - Houston Nutt was leaving as football coach.

On Monday morning, the UA all but said that John McDonnell would be stepping down as head of the Razorback cross country and track and field programs.

Of course, while this press conference at 4 p.m. Monday may be another sad departure of a Hog coaching icon, the similarities with Nutt's departure end.

If age weren't such a problem, for all of us as well as McDonnell, I'm certain Razorback followers would just as soon McDonnell run the track program forever. No one can say "it's time for a change" around the John McDonnell track complex.

McDonnell, though, was injured at a cattle sale in Joplin in November. McDonnell, who owns 2,800 acres of ranch in Oklahoma, was back at works just weeks after the incident, but the incident did take its toll.