There has been a lot written about Kevin Warren over the past few weeks. I explained his background and Phil Harrison talked about how every Big Ten AD wanted to play. With the groundswell on Twitter of #FireKevinWarren and the petition with over 10,000 signatures, there is a real question on if Warren can last through the year.
The answer is probably yes, as much as some out there want him gone as soon as possible. It would take a majority of the Big Ten presidents to vote him out. We know that Ohio State is more than likely one of those schools. Penn State, Iowa, Wisconsin, and probably Nebraska would be a part of that group as well. What no one knows is if a majority can come together and pull the proverbial trigger.
According to Steve Berkowitz at USA Today, the Big Ten brought in $781.5 million last year, the highest of all power five conferences. Money talks, and if the money starts talking school presidents could begin to ponder about whether Warren stays. With a $55.6 million payout to the schools, that kind of money could quickly become a topic of conversation. Some of the smaller Big Ten programs could certainly turn their attention quicker.
Report: Every Big Ten athletic director wanted to play fall football, Kevin Warren had other ideas https://t.co/HezUPXwLTH
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) August 23, 2020
However, does this all mean that Warren’s job is on the line? Probably not, at least not yet. The presidents will at least wait and see how this whole thing plays out. They would not want to make a decision to find out later Warren made the right move.
The Buckeyes are leading the charge in the Big Ten in more ways than on the field. They hold a lot of weight and power in the Big Ten and their voice is at least listened to. Warren is safe for now, but never count anything out when the revenue and the fans start talking.
And yes, there are rumblings. The Big Ten is as fractured as it’s maybe ever been right now.