Outgoing SEC Commissioner Mike Slive, who officially retires July 31, discussed the inaugural seasons for both the CFP and SEC Network, as well as his plans for retirement in a Q&A with Ron Higgins of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. Slive "can exhale proudly after deftly navigating" the SEC "through perhaps the most explosive growth period in the history of college athletics." Below are excerpts from the interview:
Q: How do think the College Football Playoff transpired in its first year?
Slive: It could have been better, we would have liked a different outcome. In terms of what we intended, it was really a good year. It was a major success from just about any form of measurement.
Q: What was the biggest challenge you've had as SEC commissioner?
Slive: I'm not sure I could identify one. ... Each of those significant milestones in the history of the league had a list of challenges to get from A to Z. I never felt that one was more difficult than any other. When you're doing it, when you're in the moment, you're not thinking about a comparative analysis. One of the things that has been satisfying about the league is everything we did had an impact on the league as a whole.
Q: I'm guessing last season you had the chance to watch much of the first year of the SEC Network. Is the network meeting your expectations?
Slive: I've been quick to text and e-mail my feelings when I see something I don't like. I'm not always diplomatic. I guess I'm known for, "Tell me why this guy said that." I love the network. What they and we have done in one year is really sensational.
Q: Where do you want this league and college sports to be in 10 years?
Slive: I couldn't be more pleased that [SEC Exec Associate Commissioner Greg Sankey] is going to be the commissioner. We were friends before we both came here and he has been a terrific colleague here. The league made a perfect decision. He knows what we've done, because he has been an integral part of it. With the history he has knowing of where we have been, where we are and where we're going while navigating some of the new national issues, he's well-suited for that.
Q: Will we see you much in SEC press boxes on Saturdays?
Slive: I would like to help the SEC keep its attendance figures up (NOLA.com, 5/18).
