Jeff Long, the University of Arkansas’ athletic director is denying rumors reported by The Dallas Morning News that he is one of three candidates for the open University of Texas athletic director job.
The report from Dallas sparked a frenzy of sorts, as the item became widely reported by Arkansas media outlets, including KNWA in northwest Arkansas.
Long took to Twitter Sunday night to dispel the notion he was interviewing for the Texas job.
Earlier today there were a number of media reports which I would like to address with you this evening..
— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) November 4, 2013
I'm proud to be a Vice Chancellor & the Director of Athletics at the UofA
— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) November 4, 2013
Further, I’m not seeking a position or engaged in the search process of another University
— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) November 4, 2013
Chancellor Gearhart is a tremendous leader and a man of high integrity; it is a privilege to work for & with him.
— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) November 4, 2013
I have also great appreciation for the support of President Bobbitt & our Board of Trustees
— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) November 4, 2013
Together we’ve made critically important decisions to advance our athletics program during my time w/ UofA & will have more in the future
— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) November 4, 2013
I am excited to lead this program & am energized by the prospects of providing the student-athletes & coaches
— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) November 4, 2013
the facilities & resources they need to compete & excel at the @SEC & national levels. Thanks for your support of the Hogs #NeverYield
— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) November 4, 2013
Here is the original report from the Dallas Morning News:
Oliver Luck has begun the athletic director interview process at Texas, sources familiar with the process said.
A decision could happen this week but is more likely to occur after Texas’ football game at West Virginia on Saturday if Luck is indeed the pick, a source confirmed.
Luck, the West Virginia athletic director, remains at the top of the list to replace DeLoss Dodds. Two other athletic directors — Arizona State’s Steve Patterson and Arkansas’ Jeff Long – are also scheduled to interview with the eight-member advisory committee.
Unless something dramatically changes, those are the three finalists.
Long, the chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee and a respected administrator, has emerged as a possible alternative to Luck. Still, Luck is viewed as the strong favorite with one industry source last week saying he was No. 1 and 1A on Texas’ list.
A special meeting of the Texas board of regents called for Monday is not expected to directly address the athletic director selection, a source said.