Heath Will Not Return As Arkansas Basketball Coach

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles announced on Monday that men’s basketball coach Stan Heath will not return to coach the Razorbacks in the 2007-08 season. Broyles informed Heath of his decision at a meeting on Monday.

“The decision to make a coaching change was difficult due to the respect I have for Stan Heath,” Broyles said. “He represented the University of Arkansas with professionalism and integrity. I appreciate Coach Heath’s efforts and his contributions to the program. However, in my professional judgment, it is best that the program move forward under new leadership in our efforts to return Razorback Basketball to national prominence and to compete consistently and successfully at the very highest levels.”

Heath recently completed his fifth season as the head coach of Arkansas after being hired as the 13th coach in Razorback history on March 28, 2002. During his tenure with the Razorbacks, Heath compiled an overall record of 82-71 (.536), including a Southeastern Conference record of 31-49 (.388). Arkansas posted a 21-14 record this season and finished tied for third in the SEC’s Western Division with a conference record of 7-9. The Razorbacks lost to Southern California in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Broyles said he would initiate a national search for a new head coach immediately. Due to the importance of confidentiality in the process, University officials will not comment publicly regarding the search or potential candidates.

“The University of Arkansas has a rich tradition of excellence in basketball,” Broyles said. “These past successes and the tremendous fan support of our program have established the very highest standards and expectations for our program. We will work diligently to find the best candidate who will not only embrace our winning tradition but enhance it.”

Stan Heath Year by Year Record

Year Overall SEC Postseason

2002-03 9-19 4-12 None

2003-04 12-16 4-12 None

2004-05 18-12 6-10 None

2005-06 22-10 10-6 NCAA First Round

2006-07 21-14 7-9 NCAA First Round

Totals 82-71 31-49