Long Named To NCAA Football Committee

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long has been selected for another prestigious national college football assignment. Long, who was the inaugural College Football Playoff selection chairman and remains on the committee through the 2017 season, has been named to the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee.

The committee has oversight of football for both the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Football Championship Subdivision. Long was nominated for the committee by Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey and will be added when Mississippi State head football coach Dan Mullen’s tenure expires later this summer. Long will serve on the committee from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2021.

“Jeff demonstrated effective leadership as Chair of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee and his football knowledge and experience make him ideal for service on the Division I Football Oversight Committee,” Sankey said. “Jeff is a forward-thinking individual who will bring a balanced perspective to enhancing college football.”

Long has served on numerous NCAA committees during his career in intercollegiate athletics. He has previously been a member of the NCAA Management Council, the NCAA Sports Wagering Task Force and the NCAA Championships and Sports Management Cabinet.

“I am honored to represent the University of Arkansas, the SEC, its coaches and student-athletes on this important NCAA committee,” Long said. “As a player, coach and administrator, college football has had a tremendous influence on my life and I firmly believe it continues to positively impact those who are affiliated with this great game. I appreciate Commissioner Sankey’s nomination and am grateful for my selection. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members to explore changes and enhancements in an effort to make our great game even better.”

In addition to oversight of the FBS and FCS Subdivisions, the committee works to enhance the development of the sport and make recommendations related to regular-season and postseason football. The 12-person committee prioritizes enhancement of the student-athlete educational experience (academically and athletically), and in doing so, promote student-athletes’ personal growth and leadership development. It also works in conjunction with appropriate governance entities to provide solutions to issues impacting the health and safety of football student-athletes.

The Football Oversight Committee also supervises procedures for licensing of postseason bowls and qualifications and/or selection procedures for the FCS Championship. It reviews recommendations from the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee and process other issues related to the administration of the FCS Championship. The committee also provides direction to the NCAA Football Rules Committee regarding playing rules governing FBS and FCS football.