A significant leadership change could soon take place in the Atlantic 10 Conference, and a well-known sports executive with strong ties to the Southeastern Conference is at the center of the development.
According to reports shared by ESPN insider Pete Thamel, the Atlantic 10 Conference is targeting Dan Leibovitz, currently a senior associate commissioner with the Big East Conference, to become its next commissioner. Sources indicate that discussions are progressing and a deal could be finalized in the near future.
Leibovitz’s path to this potential role has been shaped by a diverse career that includes coaching, professional basketball experience, and high-level athletic administration. Early in his career, he worked as an assistant coach at Temple University under legendary coach John Chaney. He later held coaching positions at University of Hartford and University of Pennsylvania. His coaching journey also included a stint in the NBA as an assistant with the Charlotte Bobcats.
Although he built a solid coaching résumé, Leibovitz eventually transitioned into athletic administration, where his influence grew even more. In 2016, he joined the Southeastern Conference as an associate commissioner and spent more than seven years in that role. During that time, he developed strong working relationships with coaches and athletic directors across the league. He also served as a key liaison between member schools and the NCAA, earning a reputation as a reliable and respected administrator.
Because of his experience and track record, the possibility of him leading the Atlantic 10 has sparked strong reactions among college basketball fans. Many believe his combination of coaching background and administrative leadership makes him an ideal candidate to guide the conference forward.
Supporters argue that his résumé aligns perfectly with what the Atlantic 10 needs in its next commissioner. His understanding of the game from a coaching perspective, combined with years of experience managing conference operations, has given him credibility among those involved in college athletics.
Leibovitz also has a historical connection to the Atlantic 10. During his time at Temple working under John Chaney, he was part of the conference during one of its most competitive eras. That firsthand experience with the league’s culture and traditions could help him navigate the challenges that come with leading the conference today.
Fans have also pointed out that Leibovitz has experience overseeing major sporting events. During his administrative career, he has played roles in organizing high-profile tournaments such as the SEC Tournament and the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Managing events of that scale has given him experience handling large operations and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders.
One issue many fans hope he would address is the quality of officiating within the Atlantic 10. Throughout the 2025–26 season, numerous complaints surfaced about inconsistent foul calls, disruptions to game flow, and what some perceived as biased officiating in important matchups. These concerns have been widely discussed across social media and fan forums, with many supporters urging conference leadership to take steps to improve officiating standards.
Because of his administrative background and reputation for effective management, some fans believe Leibovitz could play a key role in resolving those issues and strengthening the conference overall.
The conversation around his potential appointment also sparked some humorous reactions from fans. One comment jokingly suggested that his first action as commissioner should involve banning Archie Miller, the head coach of the Rhode Island Rams men’s basketball. The remark reflected frustration among certain fans, who have criticized Miller for the team’s struggles, his heated exchanges with officials, and his fiery demeanor on the sidelines.
While the comment was clearly made in jest, it highlighted how passionate Atlantic 10 followers are about the direction of the conference and the behavior of figures within it.
If the appointment becomes official, many supporters believe Leibovitz’s leadership could mark a turning point for the Atlantic 10. With his experience across multiple levels of basketball—from college coaching to NBA work and conference administration—fans are eager to see how he might address the league’s challenges and shape its future.