Spearfish, S.D. - Black Hills State University Director of Athletics Jhett Albers announced today that head football coach Jay Long has accepted the head football coach position at Chadron State College.
"We thank Coach Long for his leadership and commitment to Black Hills State University and the Yellow Jacket Football Program and wish him and his family the best," stated Albers.
Long has been at Black Hills State University for nine seasons, three of which he was the head football coach of the Yellow Jackets. Long became the head coach in 2009 and guided the Yellow Jackets to a 15-15 record.
"My time at Black Hills State has been very special to my family and I. Anytime you are at a place for nine years the decision to leave is very hard. The university and the town are great places to work and live," said Long. "I would like to thank Jhett Albers for giving me the opportunity to become head coach here, his support as an athletic director was tremendous. At BHSU I have had the opportunity to work with some great coaches who all bought into the Jacket Football philosophy. Without them we would not have been able to turn Jacket Football into a top program. The reason I coach is because of the relationships that I have built with our players. At BHSU we have great guys who I love, and I wish them the best of luck in the future."
Prior to being named the head coach at Black Hills State, Long was an assistant coach from 2003-09. During that time he was involved in all aspects of the program including duties as offensive coordinator, offensive line coach, recruiting coordinator and the strength and conditioning coach.
Long graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 1995. Following graduation Long attended Chadron State College. There he was a two-time RMAC All-Conference selection at offensive center and also earned Farm Team All-American honors. A two-sport athlete in college he was also the heavyweight for the Eagle wrestling squad where he was a national qualifier. Long graduated with a bachelor's degree in physical education and health.
After receiving his bachelor's degree from Chadron State Long played two years in the National Indoor Football League, one year with the Casper Calvary and one year for the Rapid City Red Dogs.
Long decided to pursue his master's degree at Wayne State, where he was the defensive line coach and strength coordinator in 2002 and a graduate assistant defensive line coach in 2001. Long earned his master's degree in sports management from Wayne State.
Long is married to Kresi Long, a radiologic technologist at Fort Meade Veterans Hospital, together they have two daughters, Kaelee(8), Alivia(6), and a son Carson(2).
Black Hills State University Director of Athletics Jhett Albers will host a press conference tomorrow, Tuesday February 7, announcing the new head coach of the Yellow Jacket Football Program. The press conference will be held in the Hall of Fame room at the Donald E. Young Center. It is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. MT.
For more information on Black Hills State University Athletics, visit BHSUAthletics.com
