Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark will step down and take a job outside college sports, according to CBS Sports. The league announced the move on Friday, the outlet reports. He is expected to stay through January 31, 2027.

"Serving as the commissioner of the Big 12 Conference has been an extraordinary honor," Yormark said, CBS Sports reports. He said he looks forward to "passing the baton to the next commissioner."

Yormark took over in 2022, when the league was in danger after Texas and Oklahoma decided to leave, the outlet reports. He was an unusual pick. He had never worked in college sports and came from his job as CEO of Jay-Z's Roc Nation. He had also worked in NASCAR and with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Big 12 added eight schools in two years under Yormark, CBS Sports reports. He signed a long-term TV deal with ESPN and Fox before the Pac-12 could close its own deal. He then pushed Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Arizona State to join the Big 12, which led to the Pac-12's collapse, the outlet reports. He also added a halftime music show at the Big 12 title game.

The league now faces a key hire ahead of the back half of its TV contract, the outlet reports. "I'm going in very open-minded," Kansas chancellor Doug Girod said in an interview with ESPN, CBS Sports reports. "I don't need a (Yormark) twin." He said he wants someone who will be "an innovator."

What we know: Yormark is leaving the Big 12 and plans to stay through January.
What we don't: Where Yormark is going and who will replace him. Only CBS Sports has reported this so far. NewsHabit hasn't seen independent confirmation.