Longtime NCAA executive Jim Isch to retire

NCAA chief operating officer Jim Isch has decided to retire.

Isch joined the NCAA in 1998 and has served in a variety of capacities, including interim president, following Myles Brand's death and as current NCAA President Mark Emmert's right hand man. Isch will continue to serve Emmert in an advisory role until he leaves college sports' largest governing body early next year.

Tuesday's announcement also has prompted Emmert to reorganize his staff. He will create a new executive vice president post to oversee regulatory matters while some of Isch's previous responsibilities will be given to other NCAA executives.

Emmert says Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby and NCAA executive vice president Mark Lewis will guide an outside firm in a national search to fill the new executive vice president position.