Not long after Kansas fired athletic director Sheahon Zenger in May, University of Missouri freshman Christina Long texted her father, Jeff, who was pondering his next move after being let go as AD at Arkansas last fall.

“Wouldn’t it be hilarious if you took the KU job?” she recalled writing him in what she termed a “half-serious, half-kidding” inquiry.

As it started to become a real possibility, the father said, “We bantered about it.”

Last week, it officially became a reality … and remains a point of amusement — and bonding — for each.

Today's top news by email

The local news you need to start your day

Recaptcha requires verification.