Mark Harlan Issues Welcome Statement To New Pac-12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan has issued a statement following the announcement that George Kliavkoff will take over as the new Pac-12 Commissioner.

“On behalf of Utah Athletics, I want to welcome George Kliavkoff to the Pac-12 Conference as our new Commissioner. He brings an innovative, strategic approach to a very challenging role, with intercollegiate athletics in a truly transformative period,” Harlan stated. “I am confident that Commissioner Kliavkoff will ensure that the Pac-12 is a national leader in shaping college athletics for years to come and will help our conference cement its position as the nation’s premier athletic conference. This is an exciting time to be a part of the Conference of Champions and we welcome George and his family to the Pac-12 Family!”

Welcome Commissioner Kliavkoff! Look forward to the partnership and you handing Utah multiple trophies along the way…..! https://t.co/rE3RmQBfQp

— Mark Harlan (@MarkHarlan_AD) May 13, 2021

Harlan also made a statement on social media in a far more entertaining manner. He joked that he looks “forward to the partnership and you handing Utah multiple trophies along the way.”

The change in Pac-12 leadership comes during a very tumultuous time within the conference and the immediate future of college sports. During his introductory press conference, Kliavkoff mentioned that his first task will be to listen to fellow leaders within the conference before making any changes.

However, he also admitted that the Pac-12 Conference is in favor of College Football Playoff expansion and that he is in favor of the name, image and likeness legislation that is expected to revolutionize the college sporting landscape.

He's ready to get to work and his intentions are set. 👏

Hear from our new @Pac12 Commissioner George Kliavkoff himself on what's to come for the Conference.#BackThePac pic.twitter.com/5TBNGPkWsV

— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) May 13, 2021