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Pitino wants Bilas as new Big East commish

Those in charge of finding a new Big East Conference commissioner sought out Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino for recommendations.

While Pitino would only offer the qualities that he would look for in a conference commissioner, he did mention a name to the Sporting News on Friday: ESPN commentator Jay Bilas.

"It needs to be someone who, when he walks into the room, the presidents and ADs snap to attention," Pitino said.

Pitino said Bilas' presence, public speaking ability, background in college sports issues and depth of experience would all work in his favor as the Big East commissioner.

Bilas has a law degree from Duke and is a practicing attorney, in addition to his ESPN duties.

Joe Bailey has been the Big East's interim commissioner since John Marinatto resigned in May. Bailey has said he is not a candidate for the permanent job.

Pitino has been a vocal advocate for the Big East since the defections last September by Pitt and Syracuse to the ACC, as well as the decision of TCU to not follow through with its intent to join. He has also campaigned for Memphis and Temple to join the conference after West Virginia left for the Big 12.

"The Big East needs to take some of the $15 million they got from Syracuse and Pitt leaving and invest in that position," Pitino said.

A major issue the Big East faces is it is one of the six major conferences negotiating the future of the new football playoff system and does not have a leader.

Pitino's only concern about Bilas is that people would label him as a "basketball guy." Pitino said it should not be an issue that Bilas played college basketball because Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany also played college hoops.