Who Is Jeff Long? University Of Arkansas Fires Athletics Director

The University of Arkansas on Wednesday afternoon confirmed that athletics director Jeff Long was fired from his position and will not be returning. A statement issued by the chancellor of the university said Long is out with immediate effect and that Julie Cromer Peoples, the school's associate vice chancellor for athletics and senior associate athletics director, would serve as Long's replacement on an interim basis.

The university fired the Arkansas Razorbacks’ athletics director, ending a nearly 10-year-long tenure which also included the scandalous ouster of football coach Bobby Petrino, CBS Sports reported.

Long, who was the College Football Playoff selection committee member, formerly the chairman until this season, had been under contract through June 30, 2022. The school also stated that it will honor the provisions of Long's contract, despite he being ousted.

"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 [Donald] Bobbitt," Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz said in a statement.

"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," the statement further read.

Back in 2008, Long had replaced the legendary coach Frank Broyles to gain his position. Prior to that, he also served as the athletics director at the University of Pittsburgh.

In October 2013, Long served as chairman of the First College Football Playoff Selection Committee. He was named "Athletic Director of the year" by Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily in 2015, according to ESPN.

Long has overseen the ongoing expansion of Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. However, a disappointing season leaving many seats empty and fan dissatisfaction led to his removal by the university. The move to terminate the coach came a week after a lengthy meeting involving the university board of trustees.

In the letter of termination, Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz wrote he believed the decision, "is in the best interest of the athletics program and the University." The chancellor goes on to tell Long that he, "led our athletics programs with character and integrity, which I value greatly," and "helped move us forward in many ways."

Read the entire letter here.

After being terminated Wednesday, Long issued a statement regarding the same. It read:

"My family and I would like to thank the University community, Fayetteville community, all of Northwest Arkansas.

I would also like to thank Chancellor Steinmetz and President Bobbitt for their support during their tenures and especially over the past several weeks. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to work with you and wish you the best as you lead the Flagship Institution and the UA System.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve our University the last 10 years. It has been a true honor."