Altman changes his mind

Dana Altman quit as Arkansas coach Tuesday, a day after a news conference to announce his hiring.

Altman apologized to Razorbacks fans “with deep regret” and said returning to Creighton was in his family’s best interest.

Arkansas Chancellor John A. White announced Altman’s departure. “I knew it was a very difficult decision for them and their family,” White said.

Altman has coached the Bluejays for 13 years and said he made the decision to return to Creighton after talking to his wife and Blue Jays’ Athletic Director Bruce Rasmussen, who agreed to take him back.

White said he wished Altman well but hoped that the Razorbacks and the coach would one day cross paths.

“The No. 1 priority is doing what’s best for you and your family,” White said. “I’m looking forward to meeting you in the Final Four and beating the socks off you.”

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Colorado announced a news conference for today to introduce its new coach.

The Rocky Mountain News and Colorado Springs Gazette, citing unidentified sources, reported that Air Force’s Jeff Bzdelik had agreed to the Buffaloes’ offer.

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Michigan hired John Beilein to fill its coaching vacancy, less than a week after he led West Virginia to the National Invitation Tournament title.

Beilein, 54, has a 551-318 record in 29 seasons as a college coach.

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Florida’s 84-75 win over Ohio State on Monday night was watched by 13.59 million households, up from last year, when 12.31 million households tuned in to watch Florida defeat UCLA.

CBS’ telecast of the Gators win over the Buckeyes had a 13.2 rating and a 20 share. The rating paled in comparison with 2005, when North Carolina beating Illinois in the final drew a 15.

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A drunk driver slammed into a police officer who was clearing Florida Gators fans from the streets early Tuesday, critically injuring him, then ran two motorcycle officers off the road before he was stopped, authorities said.

The Florida Highway Patrol said Austin Wright, 21, of Atlantic Beach, had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. Gainesville police officer Corey Dahlem was hospitalized in critical condition. The other officers were not injured.

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Gail Goestenkors stepped down as women’s coach at Duke and accepted the job at Texas. She replaces Hall of Famer Jody Conradt. Goestenkors, 44, has a career record of 396-99.

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UCLA recruit Kevin Love scored 21 points and had 16 rebounds and the West defeated the East, 144-123, in the Roundball Classic at Chicago. USC recruit O.J. Mayo scored 27 points for the East.

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Colorado State 7-foot junior forward Jason Smith will declare himself eligible for the NBA draft. Smith won’t sign with an agent, letting him return to the team if he decides he won’t go high enough in the June 28 draft.... Louisiana Tech announced that it will not renew the contract of men’s basketball coach Keith Richard.