KENT, Ohio -- Stan Heath resigned at Kent State on Thursday to coach Arkansas, leaving after he led to the Golden Flashes to the final eight of the NCAA tournament.

Heath was not at the news conference at which Kent State athletic director Laing Kennedy announced the resignation.

Heath was in his first year at Kent State and had a five-year contract.

"I love Stan Heath, I love what he stands for," Kennedy said. "I personally will miss him."

Kennedy said he felt complimented that Heath was taking the job at Arkansas.

"You do not want to have coaches nobody else wants," Kennedy said. "In my opinion, Arkansas is one of the top five jobs in America."

Arkansas planned a news conference later in the day to announce its replacement for fired coach Nolan Richardson.

The 10th-seeded Golden Flashes (30-6) fell one victory shy of a Final Four berth, losing to Indiana 81-69 in the NCAA South Regional final.

Kennedy said Heath told him Wednesday night during an emotional meeting at Kennedy's home that he would leave Kent State.

Kennedy said he already has talked with three people about replacing Heath. He declined to name them.

Heath was in Fayetteville, Ark., on Tuesday and was the only candidate given a personal tour of Walton Arena by Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles. In addition, university officials held a reception for Heath and his wife.

Earlier this week, Heath visited West Virginia to discuss the Mountaineers' vacant coaching job.

Heath was named coach at Kent State on April 19 after helping Michigan State win a national title and reach the Final Four during his three years as an assistant.

Heath signed a contract at Kent State with an annual base salary of $120,000 and incentives that could add $25,000 a year to the deal.

Heath replaced Gary Waters, who became Rutgers' coach April 6. Waters had a 92-60 record in five seasons at Kent State.

During their recent tournament run, the Golden Flashes beat Oklahoma State 69-61, Alabama 71-58 and Pittsburgh 78-73 in overtime.

Kent State's success had special meaning for the Mid-American Conference. The last, and only time, the MAC had a team in an NCAA regional final was in 1964, when Ohio University made it.

Kent State's 30 wins marked a single-season record for any MAC team, as was the team's 21-game winning streak.