Well the Big East has taken its first step towards protecting itself from possible conference expansions in the coming years. Yesterday, the conference announced that the former NFL commissioner, Paul Tagliabue, will give advice on strategic planning to the Big East.

This is clearly a step taken in light of the Big Ten’s plans to examine the possibility of expanding. Amidst all of the rumors, one thing is clear: The Big Ten is seriously considering expansion. Whether or not Pitt, or any other Big East team, is on the list of possible expansion candidates, it’s clear that the Big East will need to do something. Hopefully Tagliabue brings some fresh ideas to the table.