Big 12 Want Ad: Commissioner and New Member
Nearly dead not once but twice, the Big 12 continues its rise out of conference realignment ashes with steps toward stabilization.
CBS Sports college football analysts Brett McMurphy and Dennis Dodds checked in on Big 12 expansion and permanent commissioner possibilities.
Chuck Neinas successfully kept Texas and Oklahoma from smothering each other with Pac 16 proposals but his interim role was always temporary.
Looking toward a more lasting leader, Dodds mentions four candidates. Conference USA commissioner Britton Banowksy, West Virginia AD Oliver Luck and NCAA interim vice president of championships and alliances, Greg Shaheen, Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick.
Swarbrick seems like a fantasy choice but he’s close with Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds (the Big 12 commissioner behind-the-scenes if you believe conspiracy theorists) so the connection fits.
Banowsky or Luck are more probable hires, especially if the current Conference USA commish loses his post once his own conference and the Mountain West merge. Luck has ties to the Big 12 area and has impressed thus far in his tenure as West Virginia athletic director.
As to expansion, it’s in a holding pattern until a Big 12 board decides on an agenda.
McMurphy mentions the opportunity to stay at 10 teams, add Louisville and remain at 11 schools or increase by two and revive a conference championship.
Texas has been an outspoken proponent of ten members and hurt feelings aside that carries weight.
Oklahoma would like the Cardinals to join but the dearth of a 12th candidate has kept that from happening.
BYU enjoys independence and is best suited for it. Cincinnati doesn’t have anyone championing their cause so at this point, the Bearcats are on the backburner. Any number of ACC teams garner mention on message boards but that conference is about to expand to 14 schools and unless Florida State or Clemson are desperate to leave, I don’t see it.
Of course, Notre Dame remains the ultimate catch.
But the day the Big 12, a conference that won’t die, lands the ever-independent Fighting Irish is the day you tell me Dan Beebe’s Twitter account is run by the real Dan Beebe.
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