Moravian Selects Jeff Long Jr. as Head Football Coach
BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Moravian University has selected John Carroll (Ohio) University Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Jeff Long Jr. as the next Head Football Coach for the Greyhounds, effective February 1.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. --- Moravian University has selected John Carroll (Ohio) University Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Jeff Long Jr. as the next Head Football Coach for the Greyhounds, effective February 1.
"It is with great excitement to welcome Jeff Long to the Moravian University family as our new football coach," commented Director of Athletics & Recreation/Head Women's Basketball Coach Mary Beth Spirk. "He brings energy, experience and integrity to our football program and our Athletic Department. Jeff emerged from a tremendous pool of candidates, and we look forward to him taking our football program, rich in tradition, to even greater success for years to come."
Long becomes just the fifth head coach for the Moravian program since 1955 when Rocco Calvo began his legendary career guiding the Greyhounds. The Blue and Grey have played 830 games over 97 seasons, and Long is the 13th coach since the program resumed action in 1930 after a 25-year break. Moravian's first football game was played in 1898.
"The people and the tradition of Moravian University and its football program are what excites me about taking over the Greyhounds," stated Long. "When stepping on campus, the energy and focus from the campus community I met with was exciting. Every faculty and staff member who I've had the pleasure of meeting with raves about the character of the members of the football program and their excitement for the program's future. Everything starts with quality people. The tradition of this University and this program makes me even more excited. History is important to me, honoring it and making those who came before us proud. Helping young people carve their legacy into this tradition rich university is a special opportunity.
"We will compete in everything we do," continued Long. "We will attack the little things every single day. We will work to establish championship habits that will lead to greatness on and off the field. Our results will be a byproduct of these pursuits."
Long has spent the last six seasons with the Blue Streaks including the last three years as defensive coordinator. He began his time at John Carroll as the defensive line coach and has also been a secondary coach and linebackers coach. Over his six years in Ohio, Long's defensive units consistently ranked in the top 25 in the nation in multiple statistical categories. He also helped guide John Carroll to a record of 39-12 with the program ranked in the final D3football.com Top 25 poll in 2022, 2019 and 2018. The Blue Streaks made the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2018.
"The chance to teach and lead a great group of young people," Long said when asked about his first head coaching position. "The chance to build impactful relationships and help our players reach their potential on and off the field."
Prior to coaching at John Carroll, Long spent two seasons as a defensive line coach at Wilkes University, and he also worked as a scouting intern for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015.
Long played his college football in the Lehigh Valley, graduating from Muhlenberg College in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in history. He was a three-year member of the Mules' squad as an offensive lineman before an injury ended his career.
"The Lehigh Valley holds a special place in my heart," noted Long. "I loved my college experience here in the Valley. I cannot wait to show my wife and daughter this area and reconnect with the great people in this community. The Valley's love for football and the community support of Moravian football is a major part of what makes this area special."
Long began his coaching career at Emmaus High School during the 2013 season as the offensive coordinator and offensive/defensive line coach for the freshman team. He spent the 2014 season as an assistant coach at Absegami High School in New Jersey before joining the collegiate coaching ranks.
Moravian is slated to start its 2023 season on Friday, September 1 with a non-conference game at Muhlenberg College with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. under the lights at Scotty Wood Stadium in Allentown. Long will make his home coaching debut at Rocco Calvo Field on Saturday, September 16 versus SUNY Maritime College in non-conference action at 1:00 p.m.
Long will be formally introduced to the Moravian campus at a meet-and-greet event on Tuesday, January 17 in Johnston Hall at noon.
