Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive will retire next year after leading the SEC since 2002.
In an announcement Tuesday that Slive step aside on July 31, 2015, it was also releaved that he is beginning treatment for a recurrence of prostate cancer.
“I have been blessed in more ways than I can count and I will have as much passion for this job on my last day as I did on my first,” Slive said in a statement. “I consider my health situation a temporary detour in a remarkable road that has allowed me to meet amazing people, experience incredible events and celebrate historic victories.
“I will relish my final year in this position and look forward to being the biggest fan of the SEC for many years to come.”
The 74-year-old Slive was diagnosed with prostate cancer last August before he had back surgery. He returned to his job full time but reduced some travel. Slive plans to continue to work out of his Birmingham, Ala., office until his retirement.
The SEC will begin to conduct a national search for Slive’s successor, Vanderbilt chancellor Nick Zeppos announced. Slive will serve as a consultant to the SEC for four years after his retirement.
Under Slive’s leadership, the SEC experienced great success. The conference won seven straight BCS national championships in football and 67 national titles in all sports. Annual revenue skyrocketed from $95.7 million in 2002 when he took over as commissioner to $309.6 million in 2013-14. And revenues are expected to rise even more with the launch of the SEC Network with ESPN in July.
Slive is considered one of the most powerful men in college sports along with Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany. He was a powerful proponent of the new College Football Playoff and the recent push for legislative autonomy for Power Five conference schools.