The Morning After

The mark of a good leader is how they respond when the tough decision has to be made. Can they sort through the good and the bad and make a call that could end in disaster even though it is ultimately good for the the group they represent? That is what University of Arkansas Athletic Director and Vice Chancellor Jeff Long was up against. He had arguably the 2nd best football coach in the country. A coach that had made the program nationally relevant again. A coach who led a struggling Razorback football program to a 22-5 record over the last two seasons. Two seasons that included a BCS Bowl game, a first for the U of A. A team that many say is set to make a run at the BCS National Championship in 2012. There was just one problem. This coach was caught in an "inappropriate relationship" with a 25 year old former volleyball player. He went on to hire this lady to fill a position on his administrative staff. This is what Long had before him. He willingly stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. He dismissed the coach. A bold move by a great leader.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love the Razorbacks. I really wanted to keep our coach. Since the decision to not retain our football coach was made, I have had mixed emotions. Our program had reached a height it hasn't seen in nearly 30 years. We are on the cusp of a national championship only to see it seem to be jerked away. That is tough to swallow, but I will. I don't fault Jeff Long. I fault Bobby Petrino. I think Petrino is an excellent coach. He made a bad decision. It could have happened to any of us. That doesn't excuse what he did and I truly feel sorry for him and his family. As a fan, I am extremely disappointed. I feel betrayed and let down. There is one shining light though and it is Jeff Long. After listening to him last night I am confident in his leadership. He did what he had to do and I commend him for it. He demonstrated courage to its highest degree. He made a courageous move, but one he felt was necessary to the success of the program. While I will miss the coach and the success he brought, I know that we are in good hands. I am confident that Jeff Long will find the right man to pick up the reigns and continue to the drive started by Petrino.

Hang in there Hog fans. It is ok to be upset, angry and confused. The Razorback Nation is strong and will pull through. It is easy to lose sight of what it is all about and that is those student athletes who lay it all on the line week in and week out for our enjoyment. They are hard at work preparing for the upcoming season. They need our support. The spring game is next weekend. We need to show up and support these guys. If we win, we win. If we lose, we lose. Kudos to Jeff Long. You got guts and courage. I admire that. You are a great leader. GO HOGS!!