Long promises winning times in San Diego

SAN DIEGO – Former Iowa quarterback Chuck Long was hired as San Diego State’s football coach Saturday, promising to deliver a winning team at a school that has struggled recently.

“We’re going to win championships now,” Long said at his introductory news conference with the Aztecs. “It’s a place that’s ready to do it.”

Long, 42, has been on Bob Stoops’ staff at Oklahoma for six seasons, the last four as offensive coordinator. He replaces Tom Craft, who was fired Dec. 5 after going 19-29 in four seasons, including 5-7 this year.

Although this is Long’s first head coaching job, he has an extensive resume as a player and assistant coach.

While at Iowa, Long was runner-up to Bo Jackson for the 1985 Heisman Trophy in the closest vote in history. He guided Iowa to the Big Ten title and the Rose Bowl that season.

He was Oklahoma’s passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach when the Sooners won the national title in 2000, and was offensive coordinator when Jason White won the 2003 Heisman and when Adrian Peterson and White finished 2-3 last season.