Not shocking given the University of Oklahoma's demand of Beebe's head on a platter in order for them to remain a member. Beebe had to go if the conference was ever going to return to stability. Many reports say Beebe was a good guy in a bad situation. he was also viewed as a puppet for Texas.
The Star, citing "two sources with knowledge of Beebe's decision," reported that Beebe was working on his exit package on Wednesday. Inexplicably, Beebe was given a three-year contract extension last November after supposedly saving the conference — after Nebraska (Big Ten) and Colorado (Pac-12) left the Big 12. This year, it's Texas A&M to the SEC.
“A couple of weeks ago he told me privately that if the conference stayed together and he had to go it would be like lifting up a huge weight off his heart,” a source told the Star.
But the Star was also reporting that University of Missouri chancellor Brady Deaton, who heads the Big 12 Board of Directors, was "resisting" Beebe's resignation. But we're apparently past the point of no return. The conference needs a fresh start with an aggressive, visionary leader (in the mold of the Pac-12's Larry Scott or the Big Ten's Jim Delany, who act as mafia dons who won't be pushed around).
ESPN is reporting that Beebe's replacement could be former Big Eight commissioner Chuck Neinas.
The Star reported that the Big 12 board will hold a conference call to discuss expansion. Possible candidates include BYU, Louisville and West Virginia.
