Long a potential replacement for AD spot at Michigan?
October 22nd, 2009
Arkansas athletics director Jeff Long has plenty of connections to the University of Michigan, so when news broke late yesterday that Bill Martin would retire Sept. 4, 2010, the UA AD’s name popped up almost immediately as a possible replacement.
Jeff Long
The Associated Press today lists Long as a possible replacement for Martin’s spot as athletic director. Long, who replaced Frank Broyles at Arkansas on Jan. 1, 2008, held several adminnistrative roles while at Michigan. He was hired there by the late Bo Schembechler. Long rose through the ranks and reached was once the school’s associate athletic director.
Martin has served as the Wolverines’ athletics director since 2000, when he agreed to serve on an interim basis and was later agreed to stay for three years. He stayed a bit longer, obviously, and has helped turn around the department’s financial situation, as you can read further via the AP’s report.
As for other possible replacements, Rivals.com lists:
• Miami athletic director Brad Bates.
• Oregon State athletic director Bob DeCarolis.
• Buffalo athletic director Warde Manuel.
• Former regent David Brandon.
• Michigan senior associate athletic director Joe Parker.
Brandon is the CEO of Domino’s Pizza, by the way.
What do you think? Is Long a candidate to take seriously at Michigan? He’s made a name for himself at Arkansas by shaking things up while on the Hill and has made countless staffing changes, and combined the men’s and women’s departments.
— Brandon Marcello
If he wants to go let him leave. We do not need An AD that is not fully committed to the program. I am not for sure some of the moves he made are that good anyway.
We need some stability. Hope he is not their top candidate and just stays.
Both Jeff Long and Bobby Petrino have a bird's nest on the ground in Fayetteville. The SEC is the best conference in the country and UA has some of the finest facilities in college football. The fan base is rabid and second to none. The pay is good and NW Arkansas has a very nice quality of life. The weather is moderate and agreeable. I hope Long stays, but regardless, HogTown will survive.
I like Jeff so far. Hope they offer and he says "nope, staying a hog."
Just hope Long will not us the Michigan job as some sort of leverage to get the UofA to over pay him. Those situation usually bit you in the end.