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*************UPDATE: Jeff Long has announced he's staying put in Fayetteville.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I'm proud to be a Vice Chancellor & the Director of Athletics at the UofA</p>— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) <a href="https://twitter.com/jefflongUA/statuses/397165263658827776">November 4, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Further, I’m not seeking a position or engaged in the search process of another University</p>— Jeff Long (@jefflongUA) <a href="https://twitter.com/jefflongUA/statuses/397165374648512512">November 4, 2013</a></blockquote>
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And the official announcement: "I do not comment on the searches of other Universities or on unsubstantiated rumors. I am proud to be a Vice Chancellor and the Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas. Further, I am not seeking a position or engaged in the search process of another University.
We have a tremendous amount of work to do to move our entire program forward and with the support of Razorback fans we will succeed. I have an outstanding team of coaches and staff to work with and have a deep appreciation for their work with our student-athletes.
Chancellor Gearhart is a tremendous leader and a man of high integrity; it is a privilege to work for and with him. I have also great appreciation for the support of President Bobbitt and our Board of Trustees. Together we have made critically important decisions to advance our athletics program during my time with the University and we will have more important decisions in the future.
I am excited to lead this program and I am energized by the the prospects of providing the student-athletes and coaches the facilities and resources they need to compete and excel in the SEC and nationally."
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The Dallas Morning News reported late last night that Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long is one of the three finalists for the same position at Texas, and will interview for the job.
It is not stated when the interview will take place, nor does the article speculate on the likelihood of Long being offered the job, or whether he'd take it if offered.
The article does point out that West Virginia AD Oliver Luck is the clear favorite to get the job, even noting that an announcement could be within the next couple of weeks, likely after Texas' game against West Virginia this Saturday. The third finalist is Arizona State's Steve Patterson.
Ever since firing Bobby Petrino in April 2012, Long has been frequently listed among the most respected athletic directors in the country. Under Armour named him an Athletic Director of the Year and last month Long was named Chairman of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Long was asked about other AD jobs last month. He said: "I'm not interested in listening to anybody about anything. This is my job."</p>— Robbie Neiswanger (@NWARobbie) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWARobbie/statuses/397085577125707777">November 3, 2013</a></blockquote>
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We'll see.