Arkansas' Bret Bielema on AD Jeff Long's firing: 'I haven't received any official notification'

Despite reports that Arkansas's Jeff Long has been fired, coach Bret Bielema wouldn't comment on the status of his athletic director.

"I walked out of a staff meeting about a half hour ago, so things have been standard, as usual," Bielema said on his weekly SEC teleconference call. "People prepped me before I got on the phone call that there might be a question, but I haven't received any official notification. Just a lot of hearsay."

The Arkansas coach was complimentary of his AD.

"(He's been) awesome, not for me as the head coach, of course he has been, but for our student-athletes," Bielema said. "Everything he stands for, everything he tries to give them on the field, off the field. All the services we provide, and the support we have given. It's been awesome to witness and hopefully continue forward."

He said he has not talked to Long this week, saying he routinely leaves on Monday. Bielema added he usually hears from Long on Wednesdays.

He was asked a follow-up question about his reaction, but refused to elaborate.

"I get the question, but until I am officially notified in a meeting or hear from people officially, I'm just gathering information," he said. "I know this, winning ball games helps everybody, so that's all I'm focused on."

Arkansas is currently 4-6 and 1-5 in the SEC. Long hired Bielema in 2013. The Hogs are 29-32 in five seasons under Bielema.

Long, who has been the athletic director at Arkansas since 2008, was the chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee from 2014-16, and still serves on the committee.

(Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.)

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