Long UA’s new head man as of Jan. 1

The University of Arkansas’ seven-month search for its next athletics director came to an official close Tuesday as Chancellor John White introduced Jeff Long as Frank Broyles’ successor in a news conference at the Broyles Athletics Center.

Long comes to Arkansas after serving as the University of Pittsburgh’s athletics director since 2002. He has extensive athletics administration experience and says he is up to the challenges facing him when he takes over the job Jan. 1, upon Broyles’ Dec. 31 retirement.

The UA will pay Long $450,000 a year with additional incentives for athletic and academic achievements. Long has duties to finish at Pitt, but plans to be at work on the UA campus as a special advisor to Chancellor John White by mid to late October.

“I am both honored and humbled to be here today,” Long said. “It’s not lost on me that we are in a building named the Broyles Center. I will never try to replace Frank Broyles. But, I will do everything in my power to build on his tradition he’s established.”

Long replaces an Arkansas legend in Broyles, who put the Razorbacks’ football program on the map as head coach from 1958-76. Since becoming the UA’s athletics director in 1973, Broyles built the UA’s men’s athletics program into one of distinction.

Long and Broyles have mutual acquaintances from the world of football coaching and during the hiring process they communicated through them. Before accepting the jog, Long called Broyles to ask for his support.

“I wouldn’t be here today if not for the support of Coach Broyles,” Long said. “When we spoke on the phone, he told me, ‘Jeff, the job is never finished. There is always more to do.’”

Filed under: Arkansas Baseball, Arkansas Basketball, Arkansas Football, Arkansas Women's Sports by Terry Wood. Posted on: September 11, 2007 at 2:34 pm