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Ex-CFP chairman Jeff Long named Kansas AD

Tom Pennington / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Kansas announced Thursday the hiring of Jeff Long, former chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee, as its new athletic director.

Long signed a five-year contract with the school, and will earn $1.5 million annually.

"Jeff Long has tremendous leadership and administrative experience in major college athletics, and he is a terrific fit for Kansas athletics as we work to ensure our student-athletes succeed on the field and in the classroom," Kansas chancellor Douglas A. Girod said in a news release. "Those who know him describe him as a man of character who cares deeply about higher education and the student-athletes he serves."

Long previously served as athletic director at Arkansas. He assumes the position vacated by Sheahon Zenger, who was fired in May for what Kansas called a lack of progress in key areas.

The Jayhawks are attempting to revive their floundering football program, which has won just three games over the past three years. Conversely, the men's basketball program has won 14 consecutive Big 12 championships.

Long chaired the College Football Playoff selection committee from 2014-15, and remained a committee member through 2017.

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