SWAC looks for new commissioner after 'unanimous concern'

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference is officially looking for a new commissioner after the resignation of Duer Sharp in January and the interim work of former SWAC associate commissioner Edgar Gantt.

The conference posted the job opening on the NCAA website's "The Market," a page where job openings can be shared and advertised. It said that the job would begin at or before July 1, 2018.

Former commissioner Duer's resignation was announced the first week of January and said that he would "pursue other opportunities"; sources stated that there was concern about the direction of Duer's leadership among leaders from various universities in the league.

Southern University athletic director Roman Banks said at the time that there was "unanimous concern," specifically in regards to his school's investigation into other conferences.

He told The Advocate in New Orleans that there was a lack of sponsorships" that caused Southern to "look around at other leagues."

"All had a concern about the last few years," Banks said. "What is our position, where we're going."

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