Arkansas Fires AD Jeff Long; Football Coach Bret Bielema Could Be Next

Arkansas terminated athletic director Jeff Long on Wednesday and named Julie Cromer Peoples, the school’s associate vice chancellor for athletics and senior associate athletics director, as his interim replacement.

Arkansas AD Jeff Long firing news

The Razorbacks have said they will honor the provisions of Long’s contract, which ends June 30, 2022.

“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.”

Long will retain his seat on the CFP selection committee, however. His term ends in February 2018.

Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema’s status with the team now stands uncertain. Bielema was hired from Wisconsin in December 2012 after having won three straight Big Ten championships.

But Bielema is just 29-32 as Razorbacks coach, and the team is 4-6 this season. He is under contract through the 2020 season, and would be owed a buyout of around $15 million, per sources, should he be fired without cause.

The Razorbacks are at the bottom of the SEC West (1-5 in conference play) and next host No. 17 Mississippi State on Saturday.

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – DECEMBER 5: Former Wisconsin Badger Head Coach Bret Bielema is introduced as the new Head Coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks by Athletic Director Jeff Long at a press conference on December 5, 2012 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)