Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby will step down from his leadership post at a later date in 2022 after a decade leading the conference, the league announced on Tuesday. Bowlsby’s decision comes after what has been a tumultuous year for the conference. Last summer, Texas and Oklahoma suddenly announced that they would leave the conference they co-created in 1996 for the SEC. The league followed up by opting to bring in BYU, Houston, UCF and Cincinnati as new members in time for the 2023 season.
“I truly believe the Big 12 and our member institutions are in a strong position now and as we look into the future,” Bowlsby said in a statement. “As such, this is an appropriate time for me to step away from the Commissioner’s role so that the next leader of the Conference can take the reins on these significant matters that will come to the forefront before the end of the term of my employment agreement in 2025 to set the stage for the Big 12’s future ongoing success.”
The Big 12 will use a search firm to find Bowlsby’s replacement heading forward. Bowlsby becomes the fourth major conference commissioner to leave their role in the past few years.
Bob Bowlsby to Step Away from Role as Big 12 Conference Commissioner Later this Year
📰 https://t.co/zUT43MFW2Z pic.twitter.com/f8Qu1rPRm3
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) April 5, 2022
Big news: Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby will step away from the Commissioner’s chair later this year after a decade of leading the league. He’ll remain Commissioner until the appointment of a successor and will then transition to a new interim role with the league.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 5, 2022