Larry Scott Stepping Down As Pac-12 Commissioner On June 30
Jan 20, 2021, 8:20 PM
(Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Pac-12 Conference announced that the executive committee and commissioner Larry Scott have mutually agreed to part ways and Scott will be stepping down effective on June 30.
After 11-years as the conference commissioner, Larry Scott will be stepping down from his position.
According to the press release from the conference, it was decided by both parties that it was time for new leadership. Scott’s contract was set to expire on June 30, 2022. The Pac-12 executive committee will begin a national search immediately and Scott will help with the transition.
Pac-12 announces Commissioner Larry Scott to conclude term as Commissionerhttps://t.co/9QJUsIh3A4
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) January 21, 2021
The Pac-12 executive committee which includes University of Oregon President Michael Schill as chair, Kirk H. Schulz, Washington State President and University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce will begin the search.
Many fans and media members have thought it was time for a new commissioner in the Pac-12.
“We appreciate Larry’s pioneering efforts in growing the conference by adding new competitive university programs and accelerating the Pac-12 to television network parity with the other conferences,” said Schill. “At one point, our television agreement was the most lucrative in the nation and the debut of the Pac-12 Network helped deliver our championship brand to US and global markets on traditional and digital platforms. That said, the intercollegiate athletics marketplace doesn’t remain static and now is a good time to bring in a new leader who will help us develop our go-forward strategy.”
Under Scott’s leadership, he expanded the conference from 10 to 12 programs. Utah and Colorado joined the conference which formed the Pac-12. The next media rights negotiations will take place in 2023 when the current deal with FOX and ESPN expires.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.