The Big Ten Commissioner Search

Joel Goodson · Mar 16, 2023

Old.Edgy said:
Frankly, I don't get it... This is at a minimum the 2nd best, if not THE BEST job in collegiate sports. I do understand the necessity for secrecy and diligence... Yet, for a search to take that long is aggravating...IMHO...

I've read that the conference is seriously considering splitting up the commissioner's duties. If that's so, hashing out the new roles takes time, especially when there are 16 "bosses" involved. FWLIW, I'd rather have them get it right.

Mr. Tibbs · Mar 16, 2023

yea, there is no reason to rush this

they either already have the person they want and are doing what they need to from a general hiring perspective with giving all people who are "qualified" a chance at an interview
or
they dont yet know for sure and are vetting whatever "shortlist" they came to

there is a decent chance a new commissioner is there for quite awhile. They cant risk getting this wrong.

Im not surprised at all that its
a. very secret
b. taken this "long"

I still expect it to be Phillips. But what do i know. If it is Phillips, it would make sense that it doesn't come out until after the NCAA tournament is over.

BRucks · Mar 16, 2023

JFGsCoffeeMug said:
Due diligence takes time. If they fill the spot quickly and it backfires, people will complain they should have never rushed such an important decision. Also, I'm sure every AD in the conference is wanting to have an active voice in this search. That could easily slow things down considerably.

Not sure the ADs will have much of a voice. The presidents will make this hire. Not sure if that's good or bad.

Mr. Tibbs · Mar 16, 2023

BRucks said:
Not sure the ADs will have much of a voice. The presidents will make this hire. Not sure if that's good or bad.

yea, but often the AD and President huddle up on this and make sure they are on the same page.
these days, unlike 30 years ago , the money the schools get is just way too large to ignore or minimize in this

oldman · Mar 16, 2023

I don’t know about other schools, but there is no way Killeen fails to talk to and respect Whitman’s opinion about the commissioner position.

Old.Edgy · Mar 16, 2023

Mr. Tibbs said:
it’s simple
in todays world , you need to satisfy as many groups as you can that a thorough search was done and that no one person was singled out to get the job from day one .

this is 2023, not 1963 .

I know it's not 1963, because I'm not a student at the beloved now... lol... I totally understand what you're saying.... I'm just saying it's frustrating... that's all...

Old.Edgy · Mar 16, 2023

JFGsCoffeeMug said:
Due diligence takes time. If they fill the spot quickly and it backfires, people will complain they should have never rushed such an important decision. Also, I'm sure every AD in the conference is wanting to have an active voice in this search. That could easily slow things down considerably.

I know how important it is to take the time for due diligence.... and I know it's not good to rush such an important decision... lol... I totally understand what you're saying.... I'm just saying it's frustrating... that's all...

Old.Edgy · Mar 16, 2023

Joel Goodson said:
I've read that the conference is seriously considering splitting up the commissioner's duties. If that's so, hashing out the new roles takes time, especially when there are 16 "bosses" involved. FWLIW, I'd rather have them get it right.

Oh for sure... I know how important this is.... truly... I want them to 'get it right' also... lol... I'm just saying that it's frustrating. That's all...

Ransom Stoddard · Mar 16, 2023

Old.Edgy said:
Oh for sure... I know how important this is.... truly... I want them to 'get it right' also... lol... I'm just saying that it's frustrating. That's all...

What's the urgency? The day to day stuff is being handled by staff, our media rights are locked up, and the machine continues to chug along and print money.

Old.Edgy · Mar 17, 2023

Ransom Stoddard said:
What's the urgency? The day to day stuff is being handled by staff, our media rights are locked up, and the machine continues to chug along and print money.

There is NO urgency ! ! ! I'm obviously not expressing my feelings well through my writing.... as you don't seem to get the point... I'm sorry. Have a nice day !

ChiefGritty · Mar 17, 2023

Before you identify the person to be the commissioner you have to identify what the conference goals are that you want that commissioner to pursue.

What are the Big Ten's goals? Do the Presidents know? The institution is unrecognizable from what it was 20 years ago and the type of business practices these folks are accustomed to the athletic department representing.

They've lost their security blanket of Jim Delany telling them what to think and do. I'm sure he's involved with the process, but still.

Mr. Tibbs · Mar 17, 2023

ChiefGritty said:
Before you identify the person to be the commissioner you have to identify what the conference goals are that you want that commissioner to pursue.

What are the Big Ten's goals? Do the Presidents know? The institution is unrecognizable from what it was 20 years ago and the type of business practices these folks are accustomed to the athletic department representing.

They've lost their security blanket of Jim Delany telling them what to think and do. I'm sure he's involved with the process, but still.

I would safely guess that these issues have all been addressed and articulated to the new potential commissioner.
They certainly are not going to make that public. You hire the new commissioner once you know you have who you want and all other timing is right.

If the commissioners role is being changed somewhat and duties are being divided, you let the new commissioner have a large role or main role in selecting the lieutenant(s). In the meantime , issues like football scheduling for 2024 and beyond, get put on hold

ChiefGritty · Mar 17, 2023

Mr. Tibbs said:
If the commissioners role is being changed somewhat and duties are being divided

I heard this too and I can't imagine what that means.

I'm guessing like a "media czar" role separate from the "sheriff of the actual sports competition" role?

You could see how the Kevin Warren experience, where he wildly succeeded at the former and totally failed at the latter, would lead them to kick the tires on making that two different people.

We also might be steering into a world of even bigger conflicts of interest where certain teams winning means more money for the conference.

Mr. Tibbs · Mar 17, 2023

ChiefGritty said:
I heard this too and I can't imagine what that means.

I'm guessing like a "media czar" role separate from the "sheriff of the actual sports competition" role?

You could see how the Kevin Warren experience, where he wildly succeeded at the former and totally failed at the latter, would lead them to kick the tires on making that two different people.

We also might be steering into a world of even bigger conflicts of interest where certain teams winning means more money for the conference.

yea I think because the financial aspect of the B1G's role in all member university's budgets has become so large, the role of Commish is going to be one that is perhaps divided into
a. money and media czar (CEO) answering to the Presidents or their assigns

b. the Lieutenant who is the traditional sports sheriff who answers more to the AD's. This role could be further divided in to men's sports and women's sports

just my guess

The Big Ten Commissioner Search

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