Big 12 Finally Hires a Consultant for Commissioner Search, Don't Believe Names Out There

(The Big 12 Conference Information Staff contributed to this story.)

STILLWATER – The publicity has picked up, the discussion and the projections on the next commissioner of the Big 12 Conference. Much of the reporting so far has centered early on former West Virginia quarterback and athletic director, XFL commissioner, and current Big 12 Conference consultant Oliver Luck and former Kansas State and current Washington State president Kirk Schultz.

Texas Tech University

Big 12 Board of Directors Chairperson Dr. Lawrence Schovanec

Pokes Report sources that are tied to the Big 12 Board of Directors headed by Texas Tech President Dr. Lawrence E. Schovanec say that neither of those names is likely. Schovanec and the Big 12 Board seem to be favoring an outside of the box approach at hiring the commissioner that will bring business savvy and skills that can greatly help with a plan for maximizing the future in both revenue with the upcoming multimedia rights negotiations and with marketing and even future membership and moves to strengthen the Big 12.

The Big 12 has been so much of a reactionary group over the past decade. The Big 12 leadership sees the need for a proactive commissioner with ideas on how to improve the conference in every facet.

The Conference announced late Thursday that they have retained TurnkeyZRG to conduct a national, inclusive search process for its next Commissioner. The Executive Committee of the Big 12 Board of Directors issued an RFP to a range of top search firms, interviewed several respondents, and ultimately selected TurnkeyZRG.

TurnkeyZRG has a reputation as the leading search firm in intercollegiate athletics, placing many coaches, administrators and, recently, two A5 commissioners.

"The Big 12 is pleased to be working with TurnkeyZRG. They understand how to run a comprehensive, inclusive search process, and how to maintain confidentiality throughout such a critical search," said Schovanec.

"TurnkeyZRG is honored to be working with the Big 12 Conference. This search process is a great opportunity to speak with stakeholders across the conference, listen to a range of input, and then identify an innovative leader for the Big 12," said Len Perna, Chairman and CEO of TurnkeyZRG.

Neither TurnkeyZRG nor the Big 12 Conference and its members will have any further public comment until the search process successfully concludes with the announcement of the Conference's next Commissioner.

Not surprising, but Pokes Report will keep pushing for information, not guesses, but real information on the search.