FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rebuffing ongoing speculation and commentary today, University of Arkansas Chancellor John A.White affirmed his support of Razorback head football coach Houston Nutt.

“I want to be abundantly clear — the University of Arkansas is committed to head football coach Houston Nutt’s leadership of the Razorback football program,” said White. “It’s unfortunate that the days and weeks following a remarkable football season, which featured 10 straight wins and an SEC West championship, have been burdened by rampant speculation and sensationalist remarks over the future of the program.

“The University administration and athletic department support the progress demonstrated by Coach Nutt over the past 12 months, and we look forward to more successes in the coming year,” he added. “I am confident in his leadership of the young men who carry the future of the Razorback football program on their shoulders. This program is a team of more than 100 players, 10 coaches and many others who all share the same goal — attainment of greatness on the field and excellence in the classroom and community. Coach Broyles and I know Coach Nutt believes in those ideals and will continue working to instill them throughout his program.”

Men’s Athletics Director Frank Broyles met with Coach Nutt in the days following the 2007 Capital One Bowl to review the previous season and look ahead to next year. Chancellor White approved Coach Broyles’s recommendation to extend Coach Nutt’s contract through 2012.

“The university and athletic department administration stand firmly behind the leadership of Houston Nutt as the head coach of the Razorback football team,” said Broyles. “While some have attempted to cloud the record by offering persistent and even personal attacks on Coach Nutt’s character and integrity, the remarkable accomplishments of our football program in his tenure can’t be overshadowed. In nearly a decade as the head coach, he has enhanced Razorback football both on the field and in the classroom. Last year’s championship season was truly a team effort under the guidance of the SEC Coach of the Year. Houston Nutt has been and remains the right man to lead the Razorback football program.”

Arkansas returns 47 lettermen from a team that posted a 10-4 record, including a 7-1 record in Southeastern Conference play last year. The defending SEC Western Division champions will feature 2006 Doak Walker Award winner and Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden next season. Arkansas will begin spring practice next month in preparation for the 2007 season. The Razorbacks will open the 2007 campaign on Sept. 1 against Troy University at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.