Thoughts from Big 12 Media Days
Welp, I can safely say that that’ll be my final Big 12 Media Days. I have no plans to return. On the way out, I have a couple of thoughts, if you’ll oblige me.
[Join Inside Texas today and get the best Texas Longhorns insider team info and recruiting intel!]
New commissioner Brett Yormark struck a great TV deal to keep the Big 12 afloat.
And the national media seems infatuated with him for it. In fact, one national writer said Yormark commanded the Big 12 stage like a Silicon Valley CEO.
When I read that statement, I laughed loud enough for 300 media members to hear me. It’s an absurd statement.
Having listened to Apple’s Tim Cook and Google’s Sundar Pinchai through the years, I can assure you that the mental measure and acumen of those two compared to Yormark is night and day. Maybe the writer was thinking about Elizabeth Holmes?
Yormark sounded more like a carnival barker than an actual strategist. He used the term “culture” to describe his vision for the Big 12, talked about “doubling down” a dozen or more times, and then basically admitted that he doesn’t know much about college football, yet he knows how Vince McMahon built the WWE.
Perhaps he, and remaining Big 12 members, forgot that McMahon also created the ill-fated XFL. Cameras on the field anyone?
Let’s see if Yormark truly works out. The TV deal gave the conference solid footing until 2031. However, the real future of the Big 12 as a media entity looks relatively bleak.
Which non-Texas coach or player was I most impressed with at media days?
For me, that clearly goes to Lance Leipold, the Kansas head coach.
When I say that Leipold reminds me of a mix of Tom Osborne and Bill Snyder (without the “I know better than you” snark), I mean it.
Top 10
- 1New
Traeshon Holden apology
Oregon WR pens apology after spitting ejection
- 2
SEC fines LSU
SEC levies fine for Death Valley field storm
- 3Hot
AP Poll Top 25
Top 10 shakeup in AP Poll
- 4
Baker bites back
Mayfield addresses Texas flag troll
- 5
Coaches Poll shake up
Top 25 sees big movement
I’m not saying Leipold will ever equal their overall successes but he has a congenial, intelligent way about him that is a clear mix of Midwest realism and hard work.
I also think he is incredibly confident about his offense this season. He didn’t say it overtly, but it’s clear he feels like his skill position players are as good as or better than any in the conference and he thinks his offensive line is now 7-8 deep with a couple of transfer portal additions.
My take: Kansas is going to score a lot of points this year.
Know ahead of time that the game in Austin on Sept. 30 this year could be a barn burner.
Because of Leipold, if I’m betting on any future program that will remain in the Big 12, I’m betting on Kansas long term.
The only other coach I’d put in Leipold’s category?
Chris Klieman at Kansas State. The Sunflower State has two college coaches who could adapt to bigger surroundings and coach at national powers.
Nobody can be butthurt quite like Mike Gundy.
And I actually admire him for it somewhat.
After all, he’s a child of the Bedlam series and OU tossed it out the window to pursue membership in the SEC.
He lamented that fact at every opportunity this week. He has his conviction and he’s not backing away from it.
If he weren’t a football coach…
Joey McGuire would be the most popular pastor in West Texas.
He has a flock of media folks thinking he’s the best thing since sliced bread. Maybe he is.
McGuire claiming he has the best QB room in the Big 12 is interesting as well.
