Pelphrey enjoyed return to Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE — John Pelphrey’s return to Fayetteville was met with a warm response.

Now an analyst for the SEC Network, the former Arkansas coach was on the call at Bud Walton Arena for the Razorbacks’ 82-68 win over Mississippi State Saturday afternoon.

Before the game, Pelphrey was seen talking to former Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles, as well as other fans.

Play-by-play man Matt Stewart confirmed the warm welcome during the game’s first media timeout.

“It was hard for John to work today because of the steady stream of well-wishers and fans that came up to give him hugs,” Stewart said during the broadcast. “(They) just wanted to hug his neck and tell him how much they missed him.”

Pelphrey was Arkansas’ head coach for four seasons and compiled a 69-59 overall record and 25-39 SEC record.

Despite being fired following the 2010-11 season and saying he felt like he wasn’t given enough time, Pelphrey said Saturday that he enjoyed his time with the Razorbacks.

“It’s a special place and we were very, very fortunate to be here for the time we were,” Pelphrey said. “I got a lot of affection for this arena, this school in my heart.

“(I’m) certainly proud and honored to have the chance to play a minor role in some of these student-athletes’ lives.”

Leading up to the game, Pelphrey used Twitter to express his excitement about being back in Fayetteville.

Pelphrey will also be the analyst for Arkansas' game against Missouri Tuesday night in Columbia.