Why was Long so adamant about keeping Bert?

I get, he was his hire and his guy, but why couldn't he just face facts and run the program like the business CEO we all believed he was... If your most expensive and important asset is fricking you over with shite production... You let them go... Simple as that.

Did he really put so much value in Bert being an easy guy to get along with after dealing with Bobby? Was Jeff really that much of a pushover? Why not nut up and tell Bert to fricking put up or get out, or you'll be gone mid season... frick this "righteous, holier than thou integrity bullshite" do what has to be done and listen to your bosses i.e. Prez and the board and fans.. And make the right call for the university.

Long should have taken the old line from Frank and saved his own job... "I'll still love you... and I'll miss you."