Several months ago, there was great concern among Kansas University alumni and friends about the possible restructuring of the Big 12 athletic conference and how this might affect KU.

Over the years, the conference had expanded from Big 6 to Big 7 to Big 8 and, finally, the Big 12. Now there was the chance several schools might bolt to join other conferences, such as the Big 10, Pac 10 and Southeast Conference.

The big question facing KU fans was what would happen to the Jayhawks if the Big 12 started to disintegrate. How would this affect KU in terms of academics, athletics and prestige? Would it affect enrollment numbers, private giving, the quality of faculty and damage recruitment efforts?

Prior to this possibility hitting the headlines, had KU officials, the chancellor’s office, the athletic director or even the Kansas Board of Regents really given any serious thought to the possibility of major conference realignment?

During a short period, there was a sense of panic among some KU and Kansas State alumni and friends about what would happen to their schools if they ended up on the short end of a new, weaker athletic conference — or were left out in the cold.

Nebraska was headed to the Big 10, in a sense thumbing its nose at its long-time cousins in the Big 6, Big 7, Big 8 and Big 12 conferences. For whatever reason, Colorado was invited and accepted an invitation to join the Pac 10. Missouri made it clear it would like to be part of the Big 10, and they were turned down.

Texas and Texas A&M carried the big stick and, if they moved to other conferences, the remainder would be just a skeleton of the old Big 12. Who would want KU?

As it turned out, Texas and Texas A&M stayed and, for the moment, KU and KSU fans relaxed.

It was ironic this was happening at the same time the KU athletic department and former Athletic Director Lew Perkins were involved in an embarrassing ticket scandal, a question of fraud investigations by the FBI and IRS and the “resignation” of Perkins. By the way, the investigation continues.

Perkins walked away with a million-dollar payoff, and KU now is looking for a new athletic director.

It isn’t the best time to be looking for a new AD, as the department and/or the university faces sizable debt run up by Perkins along with questions about the football program and the tenure and leadership of the university’s administration. Many observers are quick to suggest the university’s athletic programs made great gains under Perkins. However, the fact is, he improved facilities but the overall performance of KU team sorts did not improve. Actually, the combined record of KU teams dropped.

Plus, the big question of what the conference situation is likely to be in the next year or two.

The names of several possible AD candidates have leaked out, and alumni and fans are giving serious attention to the strengths and qualifications of these individuals.

Chances are, possible candidates have a lot of questions about the attractiveness of the KU position considering all the current and looming challenges.

Most everyone realizes the job has changed over the years and that a law degree or an MBA would be helpful in today’s environment, where the intercollegiate amateur, student-athlete sports scene (or dream) is a thing of the past. Today, it is big business, very big, and dollars call the shots.

Those on the AD search committee have an important assignment because athletics plays a major role at KU. In addition to the usual qualifications they are looking for in possible candidates, there is one other extremely important matter: How will KU handle a major conference realignment? Although many believe that matter can be put to rest at this time, others say they are foolish and KU cannot make the mistake of not being prepared for this possibility.

A former athletic conference commissioner told this writer, “I have a deep sense of concern that external forces will bring about further conference realignment affecting KU’s (and others’) athletic futures.

“Whenever you have two schools dictating the financial fortunes (and future) by uneven distribution of revenues, it’s not a true ‘conference concept’ and bodes trouble down the line.”

If this is likely, it is hoped those on the screening and search committee will give added weight to candidates who would be able to place KU in a powerful, strong position when and if there is a breakup of the conference. Not long ago, KU was in a naked and weak position until Texas decided to stay in the Big 12.

The KU academic/research side plays a major role. Actually, it should be THE most important factor in the school’s level of attractiveness. The academic excellence of KU should be such that any conference would want to add the school to its membership. This is the role of KU’s new provost, Jeff Vitter.

The revamp of the athletic program will be the job of the yet-to-be-named athletic director, who has the challenge of repairing the damage done by the arrogance, ego and free spending of the previous athletic director.

A good hire will pay dividends for the entire university, not just for athletics.