FAYETTEVILLE — Bret Bielema said Wednesday he is committed to staying at Arkansas despite reports he could be a candidate in coaching searches at other schools.
Speaking during a teleconference Wednesday morning, Bielema said he had taken a "proactive" approach toward his future with the Razorbacks. He said that included talking to Arkansas athletics director Jeff Long last month about extending contracts for assistant coaches this off-season.
"I'm not one of those coaches that gets my name involved or anything like that," Bielema said. "When I started talking to Arkansas, I told them, 'If my name comes out in a way other than my own release, then I'm probably going to be out of this conversation.' It's just how I've always operated.
"I can't tell you how excited I am for next year and obviously my commitment to Arkansas in the long term."
Asked directly about reports linking him to the Nebraska job later Wednesday, Bielema told ESPN.com he wasn't interested.
The 44-year-old Bielema just finished his second regular season at Arkansas, recording a 6-6 record. The Razorbacks are expected to receive a bowl bid Sunday.
Arkansas is 9-15 overall and 2-14 in conference games under Bielema, who is under contract through the 2018 season.