FAYETTEVILLE – By all accounts, Jeff Long is out at the University of Arkansas.
The University of Arkansas confirmed Wednesday morning that the athletic director hired to replace the legendary Frank Broyles in 2008, was fired Wednesday effective immediately.
“The decision to change leadership in our Athletics Department is not an easy one, and was made after great deliberation, discussion and thought, after consultation with the Board of Trustees and President Bobbitt,” said Steinmetz. “Since coming to Fayetteville in 2008, Jeff has led our department with character and integrity and helped move us forward in so many ways. However, over the past year, Jeff has lost the support of many of our fans, alumni, key supporters, and members of the university leadership, support that I believe is critical in our pursuit of excellence. I want to thank Jeff for his commitment and service to our University and to the State of Arkansas and, on behalf of the Razorback Family, I want to wish Jeff and his family all of the best in the future.”
According to the statement, the university will honor the provisions of Long’s contract, which currently runs through June 30, 2022.
Long’s legacy will include having hired, then fired Bobby Petrino after one of the most successful runs for Arkansas football in recent memory. He also hired John L. Smith and Bret Bielema in the football department, and Mike Anderson as the head basketball coach.
He also served as the first chairman of the College Football Playoff committee.
Last week, the Board of Directors took no action on Long’s employment contract at their meeting last week, which was up for renewal in the first part of 2018.
Prior to being hired at Arkansas, Long served in the same position at the University of Pittsburgh from 2003 to 2008.
In recent months, Long had become the target of a grassroots effort organized in the Arkansas River Valley calling for his removal as the Athletic Director.
Its been A Long and sometimes lonely 3+ year battle. I can be just A fan again! WPS! pic.twitter.com/6aFBrv3qwt
— JeffMustGo (@JeffMustGo) November 15, 2017
This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day.
