Big 12 extends commissioner's contract

The league announced Beebe had signed through 2015. The deal replaces one that was set to expire in 2012.

"Dan Beebe has been an outstanding leader for the Big 12 Conference during very challenging times, including our transition to 10 teams," Big 12 Conference Board of Directors chairman and University of Missouri Chancellor Dr. Brady Deaton said. "The board feels that he has performed well beyond his job description under extraordinary conditions."

It appeared the Big 12 would disappear during the summer after Nebraska announced it was joining the Big Ten. Colorado later chose to move to the Pac-10.

Beebe convinced the rest of the conference members that a new revenue-sharing system within the league would provide them with enough money to run their athletic departments.

Beebe is in his third year with the Big 12, having previously been commissioner of the Ohio Valley Conference.

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