NCAA reportedly seeking new person to run NCAA tourney

One of the NCAA’s most important deal brokers – and the man in charge of the NCAA tournament – might not be having a very merry Christmas.

According to Jeff Goodman, the NCAA hired a firm to fill the position of Executive Vice President for Championships, a position currently held by Greg Shaheen. He helped broker the NCAA’s new $10.8 billion TV deal and has overseen the Big Dance.

As will the person who takes the job. Here’s a description, per CBSSports:

Position Overview: The Executive Vice President for Championships and Alliances will oversee the strategic direction, operation and management of all NCAA championships across the three divisions and the association’s multiple broadcast and marketing rights. This position will be actively engaged in strategic planning and development of all championships and will serve as a leader in their promotion, implementation and development. The position has oversight of all championships personnel including operational issues, financial management and staffing. The Executive Vice President will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will have direct access to the President.

Shaheen only has an interim title right now (been that way since Mark Emmert took over), but he’s widely respected among coaches and media and is a major player. Last year, Sports Business Journal proclaimed him the “least-known, most powerful person in basketball.”

The NCAA told Goodman that Shaheen is under consideration for the position, but it would seem that hiring a search firm to fill his position might not bode well for his prospects.

You also can follow me on Twitter @MikeMillerNBC.