Jeff Long (courtesy photo)

University of Arkansas athletics director Jeff Long issued a news release Friday with an update on his search for a new head football coach.

From the release:

As we near the completion of spring practice, I wanted to provide an update regarding our progress in naming a head football coach at the University of Arkansas. While we have initiated a review of potential candidates both inside and outside the program, the process remains ongoing and will extend beyond the spring game weekend. While this process is a priority, it is imperative we take the time to identify a leader for our program who will provide the best opportunity to build upon the recent success of our nationally ranked program on and off the field.

I appreciate the tremendous leadership our assistant coaches have provided this spring. They continue to serve in the best interests of our student-athletes and the Razorback program.

My hope is that by sharing this information today, we may focus our attention this weekend on supporting our coaches and football student-athletes at the spring game. I hope you will join me at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday to show our support and cheer on the Razorbacks.

Arkansas will conclude its spring practice on Saturday at 2 p.m. with the annual Red-White Spring Game, inside Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. Admission is free and open to the public. Live television coverage will air on CST with live look-ins on ESPN during ESPN Goal Line: Spring Football. For those outside the CST viewing area, head over to ESPN3.com.