CEDAR FALLS - University of Northern Iowa director of running programs Chris Bucknam has accepted an offer to become head men's track and cross country coach at the University of Arkansas, The Courier learned this morning.

Unconfirmed reports of the move began circulating in UNI and Arkansas circles Thursday night when attempts to reach Bucknam and new Arkansas director of athletics Jeff Long were unsuccessful.

This morning, The Courier received a copy of an e-mail sent to student-athletes in the Panther track and field program.

"The reason I'm writing is to inform you that I am resigning as the UNI head coach and accepting the men's head coaching position at the University of Arkansas," Bucknam wrote in the e-mail. "I interviewed on Monday and was offered and accepted the position (Thursday) at noon."

Bucknam went on to say a press conference is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. today when the official announcement will be made. During 26 seasons as UNI's head coach, Bucknam has helped the Panther men's track program become one of the nation's best. UNI swept this season's Missouri Valley Conference men's and women's indoor and outdoor titles, then finished ninth at the 2008 NCAA men's indoor and 11th at the recent NCAA men's outdoor championships.

A native of Beverly, Mass., Bucknam has won 29 coach of the year honors. His UNI men's and women's teams have won 23 conference track and field titles and another five league cross country titles.

Bucknam will replace legendary Arkansas coach John McDonnell, who resigned after the recent NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Contact Doug Newhoff at (319) 291-1467 or doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com