Chris Del Conte rejects Big 12 commissioner interest

Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte said Wednesday that he has no interest in becoming the Big 12 commissioner, directly dismissing rumors connecting him to the conference’s coming vacancy.

Asked about the position by On Texas Football, Del Conte answered, “Absolutely none,” then added, “Print that.”

Yormark’s departure was formalized by the Big 12 board in late October, though he will remain commissioner through January. Del Conte had been mentioned as a possible candidate after leading Texas athletics since leaving TCU for Austin in late 2017.

Texas and Oklahoma have since moved from the Big 12 to the SEC. Del Conte now leads a program in a conference that has taken a leading role in shaping the new structure of college athletics. Texas’ broader athletic department also has won the Directors’ Cup in five of the last six years during Del Conte’s tenure.

For Texas football, Del Conte’s answer removes an immediate question about the athletic department’s leadership. His rejection also means the Big 12 must continue its search elsewhere while Yormark finishes his tenure.

Why it matters

Del Conte’s response removes an immediate leadership question for Texas athletics. The Big 12 must look elsewhere for its next commissioner after Texas and Oklahoma departed for the SEC.

What to watch next

Yormark will remain Big 12 commissioner through January while the conference searches for his replacement.