Bobby Petrino fired at Arkansas after 4 seasons

In his statement, Petrino said he and his staff had left Arkansas in better shape and wished for its success.

“As a result of my personal mistakes, we will not get to finish our goal of building a championship program,” he said. “My sole focus at this point is trying to repair the damage I’ve done to my family. They did not ask for any of this and deserve better. I am committed to being a better husband, father and human being as a result of this and will work each and every day to prove that to my family, friends and others.

“I love football. I love coaching. I of course hope I can find my way back to the profession I love. In the meantime, I will do everything I can to heal the wounds I have created.”

Assistant head coach Taver Johnson will continue to lead the program through spring practice, which ends with the school’s spring game on April 21. Long said he has asked the rest of the staff, including offensive coordinator Paul Petrino, Petrino’s brother, to remain at least through then.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.