Back to the Michigan State Spartans Newsfeed

Big Ten ADs: New commissioner must understand us, come 'from inside the league'

Michigan State rallied in the 2nd half en route to its 6th Big Ten tournament title and third win this season over Michigan, 65-60, March 17, 2019. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press

ROSEMONT, Ill. — It appears one name can be struck off the list as the search for the next Big Ten commissioner continues.

As Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith was asked about the search during the Big Ten’s annual spring athletic directors meetings at the Big Ten headquarters, he began describing the qualities he would be looking for in a prospective candidate.

Then Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez walked by, and Smith smiled before volunteering Alvarez’s name.