FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) -- In the wake of athletic director Jeff Long's announcement that Bobby Petrino had been fired, Tyler Wilson and Tenarius Wright took control of an uncertain group of Razorbacks.

Long's announcement Thursday evening left Arkansas' players in shock.

Wilson and Wright turned that shock into focus, standing up after Long left the room and reminding their teammates of their goals of Southeastern Conference and national championships - with or without Petrino.

Arkansas faces an uncertain future while Long searches for a new coach. He has asked the current staff to remain in place through the end of spring practice.

Assistant head coach Taver Johnson has been put in control, and the players have asked Long to allow the current staff to remain in place through at least next season.