Greetings Jayhawks and Rock Chalk! I am thrilled to address you for the first time as the Director of Athletics at the University of Kansas. Over these first few weeks I have experienced firsthand the tremendous spirit and passion KU alumni, faculty, staff and students have for this great University. Our history and tradition truly make this institution special. As we enter the academic and competitive year, our coaches, student-athletes and staff are focused on competition – competition in the classroom, competition in their athletic pursuits and competition to engage in and make a positive impact in our communities. It is our expectation that we will continue to represent the flagship institution of KANSAS in a manner in which Jayhawks around the world will be even more proud. Our number one priority will be the well-being of our 460-plus student-athletes and their individual student-athlete experience. We have the privilege and duty to educate these young minds, assist in their maturity, sharpen their athletic skills and produce proud University of Kansas graduates. We have begun the process of identifying any and all obstacles that may exist that would prevent us from providing an amazing student-athlete experience. Two areas that directly impact this experience are revenue production and facility enhancements. Over the next few months we will engage in deep conversations about growing our membership in the Williams Education Fund and establishing a clear vision for our capital improvements, including David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Allen Fieldhouse and Hoglund Ballpark. You can make an immediate impact on the student-athlete experience by coming to David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium this fall to cheer on the crimson and blue. The young men on this team are dedicated to competing for KANSAS. Like you, they are Jayhawks; they love representing KANSAS and they need your support. For those who have purchased season tickets, thank you. For those who haven’t, please consider helping us break the cycle and join us this Saturday and all season long. The University of Kansas boasts some 350,000 alumni worldwide. As we tour the state and travel nationally I hope to meet many of you. Over the last month I have learned what you already know: This is a very special place, and I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you as the Director of Athletics at the University of Kansas! Rock Chalk! Jeff Long Director of Athletics

When he’s not chasing down top level recruits, he’s pitching potential ADs… “I saw firsthand why Bill Self is such a great recruiter because, I’ll be candid, he recruited me here, and I’m proud of that and that meant a lot to me,” Long explained.

approxinfinity said: @jayballer73 for a second I read that as “any mother[f…ers]”. I thought you were suggesting we are hardcore and nobody else out there can run with us. Happy mother’s day @jayballer73 you big softy! LOL you a goof lol - -but hey we ARE hardcore lol but it’s ok for Mom’s to run with the big dogs - You know why? - -Cause if it weren’t for Mom’s - -we wouldn’t be here to run lmao/ Big Softy- - Ya I reckon so lol - - deep down there believe it or not I can even surprise myself lol - -ROCK CHALK ALL DAY LONG BABY

@JayHawkFanToo OK , whatever you say all I know that it’s time to move on - not a time to see who gets to have the last word - - It’s getting boring need something fresh. I’ll just keep right on rooting for those quote " Under achievers -that just keep on winning "- -and you root for hmmmm well you root for hell I dunno root for something I guess - Time to move on

@KUSTEVE I agree, I think sometimes that being the most competitive league, which the B12 has been IMO for the last 5 years gets mixed up for the toughest.

KSU has already gotten a taste of what life will be like without Snyder…remember the Ron Prince years? I would hire Snyder as HC at KU any time, he is that good.

@jayballer54 Last year with the alleged rape at the dorm where the basketball players live I am curious. Why do you bring up the alleged rape at the building where KU players and other students live? By now it is abundantly clear that it nothing to do with the basketball team so why even bring it up? The Alleged happenings with Lawson - -Ya, Ya, I know Coach was satisfied with what Lawson had to say right? The bar issue turned out to be a non-issue so gain, why even bring it up? The tone of your post appears to indicate that coach is just letting it slide. You don’t have to believe Coach Self but maybe you can read the post by the bar manager where he indicated there was no issue at all and hope would Deric comes back again. There are enough issues as it is, why add some that were proven to be false. Again…just curious…