University of Pittsburgh Athletic Director Jeff Long confirmed today that he is talking with the University of Arkansas about its soon-to-be-open athletic director's position.

"As has been reported, I was asked by the University of Arkansas to come and talk to them about the director of athletics position," said Mr. Long, who was at Heinz Field for today's Pitt-Grambling football game. "I discussed it with [Pitt] Chancellor [Mark] Nordenberg, so I did go to Fayetteville yesterday and discuss the job with the people at Arkansas.

"But now I am back here in Pittsburgh, focused on our student-athletes that are playing today. Beyond that I really don't have anything else to say about the situation.''

Mr. Long is in the final year of his contract. Pitt is believed to be putting together a counteroffer to keep him here.