FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The committee that will help find a replacement for fired Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson held its first round of interviews on Monday.

"The committee had a productive day," Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles said in a news release. "Committee members had the opportunity to visit with several prospective candidates for the position. We will continue to work swiftly to explore all avenues to find the best (coach) for the University of Arkansas."

Broyles did not say how many candidates the panel interviewed on Monday. He did confirm that Mike Anderson, an assistant under Richardson was interviewed, as the university had promised.

Arkansas basketball players Carl Baker and J.J. Sullinger are among the 14 people named to the committee. However, on Tuesday, it was reported that Sullinger asked out of his scholarship and was looking at other options. He also asked to be taken off the committee. He was Arkansas' third-leading scorer at 9.4 points a game and second-leading rebounder at 3.0 a game.

University Chancellor John A. White announced the committee on Monday. Tommy Boyer of Fort Smith, one of five former players on the committee, will be the chairman. Seven university representatives are also on the panel, which will make its recommendations to White and Broyles.

"I feel like the committee we have established will bring a broad perspective, extensive knowledge and insight to the process," said White, who will make the final decision. "With our committee selections, we have tried to address many of the aspects the student-athlete faces in the classroom and on the court. I'm confident that the committee will work tirelessly to help us find the best candidate for our position."

Richardson was fired after making comments that administrators found damaging to the basketball program. Arkansas system President B. Alan Sugg on March 21 upheld White's decision to release Richardson. He said the coach had said privately and publicly that he wanted to be bought out for the last six years of his seven-year contract.

White and Broyles said Richardson's remarks damaged the program and Sugg, after a three-day review, agreed.

Anderson, who was named interim coach, replaced his former boss for two games this month. He was promised the first interview and Broyles said that Anderson was the first to be interviewed.

Both Broyles and White have said they want a new coach in place by April 8.

"We've got a deadline we're working for," Boyer said. "We're going to be moving pretty fast. We're going to be busy."

In addition to Boyer (1961-63), the former Razorbacks include Joe Kleine (1983-85), Dr. Jim Counce (1975-78), Reggie Merritt (1993-96), and Lee Mayberry (1989-1992).

The other representatives include:

Howard Brill, faculty athletic representative; Arlene Cash, dean of enrollment services; Ro Dibrezzo, chairperson of the faculty athletic committee; Derrick Gragg, associate athletic director; Alan Mantooth, faculty athletic committee member; Gene McKissic, chairman of the UA Black Alumni Society's Sports Liaison Committee; Dr. Raymond Miller, former University of Arkansas Board of Trustees member.