Outgoing Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby’s son defends him from critics

Shortly after the Big 12 announced that commissioner Bob Bowlsby plans to retire later this year, the analysis on why quickly brought many theories. As the rumors spread on the internet and the airwaves, Kyle Bowlsby, Bob’s son, came to his defense in hilarious fashion.

The exchange started when Cedric Golden of the Austin American-Statesman joined ESPN’s Paul Finebaum to detail the impact of Bob Bowlsby’s surprise decision to retire and discuss what it means for Oklahoma and Texas joining the SEC.

“Knowing Bob Bowlsby like I do, I don’t think he quit for a reason, I think he’s got something in the works,” Golden told Finebaum on SEC Network. “The question is what will this mean for Texas and Oklahoma trying to get out of the Big 12? With this news maybe it moves up the timeline of possibility.”

As talk continued on Twitter about what this meant, and what possible plan Bowslby had up his sleeve, Kyle stepped in to set the record straight.

“Knowing Bob Bowlsby like I do, he’s retiring and has nothing up his sleeve,” said Kyle Bowlsby on Twitter.

Bob Bowlsby leaving Big 12

Releasing a statement on the situation, Bob Bowlsby said he has “reached a natural transition point” and will be handing the job off to somebody else. He will remain the commissioner until the Big 12 can find his replacement. From there, Bowlsby will move into a new interim role that he and whoever takes over will agree on in the future.

“After more than 40 years of serving in leadership roles in intercollegiate athletics, including the last 10 with the Big 12, and given the major issues that college sports in general and the Big 12 specifically will address in the next several years, I have reached a natural transition point in my tenure as Commissioner, as well as in my career,” said Bowlsby in a statement.

Four members will soon be joining the Big 12 in the BYU Cougars, Cincinnati Bearcats, Houston Cougars, and UCF Knights. Bowlsby brought them into the conference after the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners announced they would be heading to the SEC.

“The Big 12 will soon bring in our four new members and negotiate a new grant of rights and media rights agreements,” Bowlsby said. “I truly believe the Big 12 and our member institutions are in a strong position now and as we look into the future. As such, this is an appropriate time for me to step away from the Commissioner’s role so that the next leader of the Conference can take the reins on these significant matters that will come to the forefront before the end of the term of my employment agreement in 2025 to set the stage for the Big 12’s future ongoing success.”