Officially, the Big East Conference has a brand new leader. Confirming an earlier report from Tuesday morning, the league has hired former CBS VP Mark Aresco as its new commissioner.
"The Presidents have acted very responsibly," said Interim Commissioner Joe Bailey. "They have appointed a leader with integrity, intelligence and energy. Bravo!"
Aresco will replace Bailey, who was appointed the position after John Marinatto resigned from his post in May. Aresco takes over a league that is in need of a new television contract, which he help CBS do with Turner Sports for the men's basketball NCAA Tournament.
This season, the Big East is adding the Temple Owls as a member in football. In 2013, Temple will become a full member of the league, while the Villanova Wildcats compete in every sport but football.
For more on the Big East Conference, check out the SB Nation blog Big East Coast Bias. Meanwhile, VUHoops will have all the reaction from the Villanova Wildcats fanbase.