Former Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby will begin his new job as Big 12 commissioner on June 15. Bowlsby, 60, will be taking over a conference that has had its fair share of issues the last two years. But, he is the right man for the job, and the Big 12 should benefit greatly from his presence.

With the loss of four teams in the past two years, and the possibility of losing Texas and Oklahoma to the Pac-12, the Big 12 was facing uncertain times. The conference was unable to come to an agreement on equal revenue sharing, which stirred up many rumors the conference would be dividing its teams between the Pac-12 and the Big Ten.

Throw in the firing of former commissioner Dan Beebe and the self-impulsion appeared to be inevitable.

While the uncertainty of the Big 12’s existence seems to be a thing of the past, the recent news reported by cbssports.com of a new television deal for the conference shows Bowlsby has come into a stable situation. He can now set his footing and begin his new job on solid ground.

The ever changing landscape in college football has been a huge topic of discussion not just amongst fans, but with the NCAA. The Big 12 was able to obtain West Virginia and TCU to make an even 10 teams. Whether or not the conference plans on adding anymore is still a question, but Bowlsby seems happy with the number for now.

During these uncertain times in college football with conference expansion, and the possibility of a new four-team playoff system, the Big 12 needs an aggressive leader who will always have the conference’s best interest at heart.

Bob Bowlsby is just the man for the conference needs.

Just look at his time as the athletic director at Stanford. Bowlsby oversaw one of the country’s largest athletic programs. Even with the unique academic standards the school requires, Stanford was still looked at as one the best athletic programs in the nation.

Take it a step further and just look at what the football program at Stanford has accomplished. Since 2006, Bowlsby’s first year, the Cardinal went from a 1-11 bottom feeder in the Pac-10 (now the Pac-12), to BCS appearances in 2 of the last 3 years. Bowlsby is also responsible for the hires of Jim Harbaugh, and his successor Mike Shaw, two coaches who have helped Stanford rise in the Pac-12.

Bowlsby demanded excellence at Stanford and will ask for nothing less from the Big 12.

Zach Pugh Big 12 Blogger

@ZacheryPugh