Updated: Altman Staying At Creighton

Dana Altman quit as Arkansas' basketball coach Tuesday just 26 hours after his hiring was announced. The coach apologized to Razorbacks fans "with deep regret" and said returning to Creighton was in his family's best interest. University Chancellor John A. White announced Altman's departure at a hastily scheduled news conference outside Bud Walton Arena. "I knew it was a very difficult decision for them and their family," White said.

White says the university has retained an executive search firm to conduct a search for the next coach.

Altman has coached the Bluejays for 13 years and said he made the decision to return after talking to his wife and Creighton's athletic director Bruce Rasmussen, who agreed to take him back.

"This is something I'm doing for my family," Altman said. "I wish had would have come to that decision earlier."

Altman flew to Omaha, Nebraska Tuesday evening to meet with the team at Creighton.

Altman had been hired to replace Stan Heath, whom Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles fired last week. South Florida hired Heath on Monday.

Altman apparently notified Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles of his decision Tuesday morning and met with Chancellor John White late Tuesday afternoon.

Broyles got the news while in Augusta, Georgia for the upcoming Masters golf tournament.

Following is a statement from Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles:

?I am disappointed that Coach Altman has decided to return to Creighton University. He put 13 years into that program and leaving his home state proved more difficult than he could have imagined. I have already been in contact with Chancellor White regarding the resumption of the coaching search. I am confident that we will find the right coach for this program. Our players and the Razorback fans deserve a coach committed to returning our basketball program to sustained success at the highest level.?