The Big Ten has only had five commissioners since 1922. That’s an amazing number and a testament to the loyalty shown by these five individuals. One of those elite is none other than Jim Delaney, who has captained the conference for almost 20 years. He has undergone several changes in several different arenas, and one of his chief responsibilities at the current time is amongst other commissioners on the Bowl Championship Series “team”.

There has been a lot of discussion about other commishes that have stepped down or retired, but there’s been no discussion of this for Delaney. In fact, his current contract is set to expire in 2010, and while that’s a way off, apparently he is in talks to have this extended to 2013. Some people have come out of the woodwork with this new revelation, saying that Delaney shouldn’t be granted an extension in the face of two nationally-publicized issues from last year; the Kelvin Sampson debacle that still has yet to ultimately play out, and the Stephen Pamon referee scandal that resounded at the same time that NBA Tim Donaghy was ratting out everyone and their brother for his gambling problems.

Basically, opponents are saying that as the head cheese of the conference, that this damages the conference’s reputation, and that is one of his major responsibilities, and therefore it is his time to go. However, in the face of these two current issues, one can’t forget what kind of things Delaney has, in fact, given to Big 10 fans. They include, but are not limited to: the first collegiate instant replay plan, gender equity amongst the conference, keeping the Big 10 in the thick of the BCS ties, having direct ties to the Big Ten Network (which, albeit it got ugly with Comcast, the response has been positive), and don’t forget his standing with the major television networks and all of those dollar signs he is bringing the conference.

Yes, he’s been around since Vanilla Ice had street cred, since Prince was actually named Prince before he went to an unspeakable symbol and then back to Prince again, yes he’s endured two Bushes in the presidential office, but the fact is, while the Big 10 is not the master of the collegiate universe, Delaney’s resume speaks for itself, and if the conference does not grant him an extension, it will be losing a lot by doing so.

Bottom line: You can’t argue with success, and Delaney has provided that.