Memphis AD Ed Scott admits Big 12 rejection 'hurt,' explains decision to spurn Pac-12

Memphis athletic director Ed Scott has been hard at work attempting to get the Tigers into a new conference. Currently a member of the AAC, a jump into the power conference level would be ideal. Reports indicated Memphis made the Big 12 a $200 million offer, looking to be just the latest school to join.

A few hours later, the Big 12 reportedly responded by saying they were not interested. Being rejected is something Scott admitted hurt him, similar to anything in life.

“I’m a human being,” Scott said via the Gary Parrish Show. “I don’t like being rejected. If I interview for a job and they tell me no, it hurts. If I said anything different, I would be disingenuous and that’s just not my style. So, that hurt. You don’t want anyone to tell you that they don’t want you.”

Scott believes the arguments against Memphis joining the Big 12 are “short-sighted.” He specifically mentioned the program’s stadium, academics within the athletic department, and previous NCAA issues. In Scott’s opinion, all of those have been cleaned up since taking over last summer.

At the same time, an offer was extended by the Pac-12 for Memphis to join as they look to reshape their identity. Scott ultimately decided against the move, still looking for something a little bigger. He explained why, saying comparatively, the Tigers are still in a good position to currently have success.

“I think sometimes, in life, you’ve got to have a little bit of faith,” Scott said. “In anything … Our focus, as a department, is on timing and circumstance. I think this situation is still very fluid. And let’s be clear. The only reason why we didn’t jump at the Pac-12 deal is because financially, it didn’t make sense. The worst thing I can do is if we make a move and then we’re not successful in that move.

“I think we’re positioned right for success,” Scott said. “What I don’t want to do is make an intermediate move if it’s not going to position us well. So I’m sitting back and watching the landscape.”

Memphis will enter the 2025 football season as a candidate to represent the Group of Five in the College Football Playoff. Scott also mentioned the job Penny Hardaway has done, making three out of the last four NCAA Tournaments. Until something Memphis can work with comes along, the AAC still gives an avenue to compete at the highest level.