Arkansas AD Jeff Long "is out" after meeting with Chancellor Joseph Steinmetz this morning, according to sources cited by Little Rock-based KARK-NBC. The action "comes about a week after" Long attended an Arkansas BOT meeting. Some of the trustees have "not been happy with the direction of the athletic program, especially the football team." Many fans and supporters have been "restless over the disappointing football season and the team's lack of success with a 4-6 record." Long's contract, which "paid him $750,000 a year, had run through next summer." Long "took the reins" as Arkansas AD in '08, replacing the late Frank Broyles (ARKANSASMATTERS.com, 11/15). SI.com's Bruce Feldman reported things "really got sideways" at the BOT meeting. Long "flew in for it but was not a part of the meeting," as the BOT had "decided it was ready for a change" (TWITTER.com, 11/15). SI.com's Scooby Axson noted during his tenure, Long hired football coach Bobby Petrino "after his less than year-long stint" with the Falcons. Petrino was fired four years later after "lying about his relationship with a staffer after a motorcycle accident." Long then hired Bret Bielema in '13, who has "struggled in his time at the school and has a 29-32 record." Long was also the first CFP Selection Committee Chair (SI.com, 11/15). Long was named AD of the Year as part of the '15 Sports Business Awards.
