He said the players' talent, the support of the administration and the Lobos' training facilities are ideal but he determined over the last three or four weeks that he simply wasn't the right person to lead the team to the next level.

Even the money is right for a mid-major school like New Mexico. Before this season, Long signed a five-year contract that raised his base salary to $750,000 per year with incentives that could have boosted it to $1 million.

But for the Lobos to take the next step, winning a league title and perhaps making a run for the Bowl Championship Series, Long said New Mexico needs a flashier recruiter to keep up with conference powers Utah, BYU and TCU.

"I don't have the right image. I'm an old player that loves to coach," said Long, who was a three-year starter at quarterback for New Mexico from 1969-71. "I'm not trying to be on ESPN."

Long also blasted New Mexico's fan support.

He thanked "loyal fans" for their enduring support and fawned over Albuquerque's high quality of life. Then he became angry, saying casual fans need to get involved and show more passion for the Lobos.

"If you want to compete with the big boys, you've got to act like it," Long said.

Long wouldn't characterize his decision as a retirement, saying he hopes to coach again as a defensive coordinator. He worked in that capacity at UCLA and Oregon State before coming to New Mexico and is very highly regarded.

"It's a lot more fun being a coordinator. You're in charge but nobody knows it," Long said to laughter.