Explanation from Chancellor

[Ex-Trumpet]

Get to know Mike Norvell.

I guess I misspoke...of course there's been stuff going on for a while.  It would surprise me if both an AD and a coach were hired in principle before the drama of today happened.

JL was a high profile AD...this wasn't done without a lot of diligent prep work.

[Con el Cerdos]

"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."

When was the last time we've seen this level of honesty from leadership at the UA? Usually UA firings are shrouded in bs and ass kissing. This line is refreshing.

And see, as harsh at it may be, the good chancellor did not call a national press conference to announce the firing.  No one has said he cried any crocodile tears either, as he delivered the death knell.

I didn't have an opinion of Long, either way, until that dog and pony show.  Petrino had to be fired but not before a national TV audience, with all the crap Long unloaded.

I might print Long's termination letter, frame it, and hang it in my den.

[hawg IQ]

That was fear also, that J Long would hire another coach. I've said you just can't going hiring coaches

[Qui Gon Jinn]

My hypothesis would be that they told Jeff to fire Bret.  Jeff declined. They fired Jeff.

Make that 2.  I think he had a choice and he chose poorly.

[hobhog]

Jeff Long was fired because the football program is a pitiful disgrace right now.and the decisions he made is the reason.he was fired because of FOOTBALL!

Correct- The engine that drives the machine.

[EastexHawg]

It's still BS.  The fact that a search committee hasn't even been formed leads me to believe there was some serious poop going on behind closed doors.  Poop we will never know about.

I concur.

[12247]

Trumpet, I have been saying all along that I hoped the department was audited and thorughly checked out.  No way was Jeff let go over 2 or 3 bad coaching hires.  The could easily overcome that by assuring that Jeff had assistance with hiring coaches.  There is far more to this firing than the letter mentions.  WHAT?  I don't know but suspect large cost overruns, bloated Sports department, etc..  If this was all about football, Bret would be packing out right now too.  So far , he isn't.

[RebHog]

I concur.

Not sure who the voice was but D.Ruskin and N.Mason hijacked normal broadcasting  on 95.3 at times today with tidbits and they had someone on the phone kinda sounded like Tommy but not for sure that said this was about the NEZ and how he misused some funds. I am pretty sure I seen someone post about this also before I heard it on the radio this wasn't just about wins and losses on the field.

[moses_007]

But I thought the BOT was powerless?

They have all the power.  They can't fire the AD or head coach, but they can tell Steinmetz to or he'll be fired.

[hoghearted]

And see, as harsh at it may be, the good chancellor did not call a national press conference to announce the firing.  No one has said he cried any crocodile tears either, as he delivered the death knell.

I didn't have an opinion of Long, either way, until that dog and pony show.  Petrino had to be fired but not before a national TV audience, with all the crap Long unloaded.

I might print Long's termination letter, frame it, and hang it in my den.

Dilly, Dilly!

[RexMentor]

Unless there's something that is now hidden, I think firing Jeff Long is a really stupid move.