Bob Bowlsby has been an easy target in his 10 years as Big 12 commissioner.

The league which lost a third of its original members, added two schools, slowed expansion, lost its two flagship institutions and finally approached three Group of 5 schools and one independent school to fill out its roster – all over the past 12 years. – clearly struggled in the court of public opinion.

But Bowlsby has had enough. He fought the good fight. In a mutual decision between the Big 12 board and Bowlsby, he is stepping down this summer.

The Big 12 needs a new commissioner. And quick.

Board Chairman Lawrence Schovanec said Friday the process is well underway and his search committee is “on track” to announce a new commissioner when the league meets in Arlington, Texas, to the Big 12 Media Days on July 13 and 14.

“We updated the board on the status of the research (during Friday’s executive session),” Schovanec said. “Very pleased with the quality of the pool and the progress we have made. … There was a lot of interest in the job.

Schovanec chairs the three-person search committee with Kansas Chancellor Douglas Girod and Baylor President Linda Livingstone. The process of meeting with the candidates went smoothly, and at some point over the next few weeks, Schovanec will present the committee’s recommendations to the board.

Bowlsby said he hasn’t had time to reflect on his legacy as the face of the Big 12, and neither will he.

Scroll to continue

But Schovanec and most of the Big 12 leaders did.

On Wednesday night, after the opening day of meetings, league leaders hosted a dinner at the Four Seasons Resort and Club to honor Bowlsby. Legendary Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder rose to speak, telling college presidents, athletic directors and other administrators of the commissioner’s many admirable qualities.

“This conference owes a lot to Bob Bowlsby,” Schovanec said. “His legacy is quite deep. Our 12 permanent members, six of them found their place in this conference because of Bob.

The real honor came later, however, when the presidents and chancellors voted to rename the Big 12 Sportsmanship Award – the highest sporting honor for female and male league athletes who display the highest ethical standards, demeanor and sportsmanship – the Bob Bowlsby Award.

Bowlsby, 70, said he will be fishing in Canada when the league finally hires his replacement. That’s when he could really think about his role in shaping college athletics over the past decade.

“Drinking a cold Labatt at 8 a.m.,” Bowlsby said, “gives you time to think.”

Is there one trait his successor needs above all else?

“Thick skin,” Bowlsby said with a smile. “It doesn’t come naturally to anyone. But you adapt over time. It’s hard not to take some of it personally, but you try not to. I remember my father sometimes telling me that you had to live your life above the circumstances. You have plenty of opportunities to do that as Commissioner.