Mark Emmert reaction: Fans, media weigh in on future of NCAA leadership

Mark Emmert stepping down at the NCAA has quickly turned attention to his possible replacement, what kind of job it is and how these events might play out.

Many fans and media understand that being the NCAA president is a difficult job, and, to some, a demotion from a prominent commissioner position within a Power 5 conference, such as the SEC.

The news was largely met with a shrug because of the timing, and the view that Emmert is no longer the main program with college sports.

Here’s a sampling of some of the reaction from fans and media:

A few names for NCAA President: Washington State President Kirk Schultz, Oliver Luck, Baylor president Linda Livingstone, Clemson president Jim Clements and former Robert Morris president Chris Howard. Could there be an interim like Bob Bowlsby for 2/3 years?

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 26, 2022

My frontrunner to be the next NCAA president is Baylor President Linda Livingstone — if she wants the job.

— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) April 26, 2022

SEC commissioner to NCAA president is a demotion. https://t.co/0iYX402FSU

— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) April 26, 2022

Very intrigued to see who will be on the short list for the next NCAA President.

The question is what will the NCAA look like in 15 months?

And bigger question, what’s a better gig?

NCAA President or President of CFB if/when it officially breaks away from NCAA guidance https://t.co/dlhi8IbMNS

— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) April 26, 2022

Mark Emmert is reportedly stepping down as NCAA President based on a mutual agreement with the board.

Without being too harsh, I’d just like to be honest, this is a huge win for collegiate athletics. A fresh start was needed.

— Parker Gillam (@gillam_parker) April 26, 2022

NCAA: “Well gang, between a new constitution, NIL, playoff expansion, TV contracts set to explode and major realignment, we really need good leadership right now.”

The president of the whole dang thing less than one year after getting a contract extension: pic.twitter.com/aNDVXXRN7p

— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) April 26, 2022

Worst leadership gig in sports: NCAA Pres. Not sure it’s close among big leagues (NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLS, MLB, etc.). A little like being POTUS. You won’t be liked, you will be booed and you have to deal with hundreds of representatives that have varying interests/motives

— Kyle Bowlsby (@kbowlsby) April 26, 2022

Reaction from a prominent AD: “The announcement and the timing will catch everyone off-guard. But I don’t think anyone is truly surprised… You can’t transform everything and not that office. These things were going to have to go hand-in-hand.” https://t.co/5fPJumTiIA

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 26, 2022

I wonder what names will surface to replace NCAA president Mark Emmert. Plenty of people will be excited to see him go but not me until I know his replacement. https://t.co/upxQ0Ex81h

— Caleb Johnson (@ATLjohnson18) April 26, 2022

It would be fine if they hired his replacement, say, nine years ago.https://t.co/f71hlrnVfv

— Jim Irizarry (@JimOn960) April 26, 2022

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.