Coming off another second-half collapse, Bret Bielema’s seat isn’t getting any cooler in Fayetteville. Adding to the drama at Arkansas, the school has reportedly decided to fire AD Jeff Long Wednesday. Long has long since been among the biggest supporters of Bielema at Arkansas and his firing likely has to do with the decision to not only hire but continue to support the struggling coach.
Despite all the noise, the Razorbacks have a game to prepare for as Mississippi State travels to Fayetteville Saturday.
Bielema spoke during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. Here’s a summary of what the Arkansas coach had to say:
- Opening statements: We had a good jump on Mississippi State yesterday. They just went down to the wire against Alabama. They are as good as anyone I’ve seen this year. Fitzgerald has rushed for over 900 yards. The change at defensive coordinator has really helped that defense.
- Comments on Jeff Long and his potential firing: I just walked out of a staff meeting, I haven’t received any notification. Jeff has been awesome from Day One. Everything he stands for and the support he has given, hope it continues moving forward.
- Injuries: Austin Cantrell, hope he is a full go, C.J. O’Grady practiced yesterday.
- QBs: Austin Allen will be our guy with Cole’s (Kelley) situation.
- How surprised would you be about Long being let go? Again, until I hear anything official, I’m not going to speak on that. Winning ball games helps everyone, that’s all I know. That’s my focus.
- Have you talked to Long today? I have not. He leaves on Monday for Playoff committee meetings, I usually hear from him on Wednesdays.
Here’s the full audio of Bielema’s comments on Long:
Bret Bielema's comments when asked about Jeff Long on today's SEC Coaches' Teleconference: pic.twitter.com/8vImBQGq9W
— Bo Mattingly (@SportandStoryBo) November 15, 2017
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
