The University of Kansas announced on Thursday that it has hired longtime Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long to the same role. That has led to some speculation that a big change could be coming for the Jayhawks football program.
“Jeff Long has tremendous leadership and administrative experience in major college athletics, and he is a terrific fit for Kansas Athletics as we work to ensure our student-athletes succeed on the field and in the classroom,” Kansas president Douglas Girod said in a statement. “Those who know him describe him as a man of character who cares deeply about higher education and the student-athletes he serves. For all these reasons, we are thrilled to welcome him to the University of Kansas.”
But what could it mean on the gridiron?
With David Beaty having an overall record of just 3-33 and only one Big 12 victory, there were immediate rumblings that the hiring of Long by Kansas could be an indicator that former Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema could be poised to become the next football coach.
Bret Bielema to Kansas, folks
— lukezim (@lukezim) July 5, 2018
Bielema didn’t do anything to squash those rumors, even congratulating Long on the new gig on social media.
Such a great meeting between a great leader and a great opportunity at Kansas! #Congrats https://t.co/li02o1h218
— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) July 5, 2018
If Bielema did wind up at Kansas, he will have his work cut out for him, but reuniting with an old friend could be intriguing enough to get the former Razorbacks head coach to return to the college game.