MARCH 27

Broyles says he has offered the job to his top candidate but has not talked to him. The coach knows he’s Arkansas ’ choice “through channels,” Broyles says.

MARCH 29

Byrne finally calls back around 10 a. m. and gives Broyles permission to talk to Gillispie. Byrne calls again around noon and says Gillispie has committed to staying. Broyles was unable to reach Gillispie during the two-hour window. Arkansas finally moves on.

MARCH 31

Sources say Broyles offers the job to Memphis’ John Calipari (above ), who turns it down. Over the course of the week, Broyles also has tried to gauge interest from Southern California’s Tim Floyd, Kansas ’ Bill Self and Marquette’s Tom Crean with no interest reciprocated. Broyles returns from Atlanta at the end of the day.

APRIL 2

A university plane picks up Altman in Atlanta and takes him to Omaha, Neb., where he tells his players he’s accepting the Arkansas job. He then flies to Fayetteville, where he’s introduced as the UA’s new coach.