Ferguson quits as Arkansas assistant

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ Joe Ferguson, a former Arkansas and NFL quarterback, quit as the Razorbacks' quarterback coach Thursday ``to pursue other interests.'' <br><br>Ferguson was the last

Friday, January 5th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) _ Joe Ferguson, a former Arkansas and NFL quarterback, quit as the Razorbacks' quarterback coach Thursday ``to pursue other interests.''

Ferguson was the last coach remaining from the Danny Ford years.

Fitz Hill, whom Coach Houston Nutt also retained when taking over from Ford before the 1998 season, resigned last month to become head coach at San Jose State.

A former all-Southwest Conference player, Ferguson played 18 years in the National Football League _ 12 with the Buffalo Bills.

Last summer, Ferguson was critical of quarterback Gary Brashears, who later quit the team and transferred to Tulsa. Ferguson and Nutt both said that Brashears needed to show more maturity and that they were disappointed Brashears was out of shape.

In quitting, Brashears said he was disappointed that his position coach had criticized him publicly.

Ferguson said, ``After much consideration, I have decided that it is time to pursue other interests. I have enjoyed my time as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas and will continue to follow the program with great interest.''

Before joining the coaching staff, Ferguson was a commentator on Arkansas football radio broadcasts.

``We are grateful to Joe for his contributions to the Razorback program,'' Nutt said. ``He played an instrumental role in the careers of our quarterbacks, including Arkansas' all-time leading passer, Clint Stoerner. He was part of three straight bowl trips and an SEC Western Division title. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.''

Stoerner now plays with the Dallas Cowboys.