A host of Arkansas' returning players were included in the crowd, each expressing surprise and satisfaction with their new coach.
Bielema promised to bring a balanced offensive attack to a school that's become accustomed to record-setting passing offenses — along with lackluster defensive performances — since Petrino's hiring in 2007.
"He really relieved a lot of tension in that team meeting about 30 seconds into speaking," Razorbacks center Travis Swanson said. "I know there was a lot of tension for all of us not knowing who he is as a person, but as soon as he came in there he made everyone feel comfortable."
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