Dr. Jon A. Steinbrecher, the commissioner of the Mid-American Conference (MAC), expressed optimism that his league will secure two bids to the NCAA Tournament this year. This comes after the unexpected outcome of the MAC Tournament quarterfinals, where Miami (Ohio) lost to UMass 87-83 despite a remarkable regular season record of 31-0.
Speaking on March 10, 2024, Steinbrecher stated, “I believe Miami’s in the tournament,” highlighting his communication with the NCAA selection committee. He emphasized that the RedHawks have accomplished what is needed for a spot in the tournament, stating, “They’ve done the things they need to do to get into the tournament.” The MAC has not received multiple bids since 1999, when Kent State won the conference tournament and Miami earned an at-large berth after clinching the regular-season title.
Historic Performance and Challenges
Miami (Ohio) made a significant impact on the national stage, reaching the Sweet 16 in their last NCAA appearance. This season, they became only the fifth team in the modern era to finish the regular season undefeated, a feat accomplished in a competitive environment. Despite this success, Miami faced criticism regarding its relatively low strength of schedule, ranked 344th out of 365 Division I teams according to the NCAA Evaluation Tool. Critics argue this diminishes the team’s chances of participating in the NCAA Tournament.
Steinbrecher defended the RedHawks, pointing out the challenges mid-major teams face in scheduling games against Tier 1 opponents, saying, “We’ve allowed metrics to become the story as opposed to wins and losses.” He noted that many Tier 1 teams avoid scheduling games with Tier 2 and Tier 3 schools, further complicating the competitive landscape.
The last team to finish the regular season undefeated and not qualify for the NCAA Tournament was Alcorn State in the 1978-79 season, primarily due to the conference’s transition to Division I. The MAC has historically been a competitive league, and Steinbrecher remains hopeful about the conference’s future prospects.
Future Opportunities and Expansion
Looking ahead, the MAC is exploring opportunities to enhance its visibility and appeal. Steinbrecher indicated that the conference is in its final year of current television deals and has begun exclusive negotiations with ESPN for future broadcasting rights. The MAC’s unique scheduling strategy, including Friday night games, could attract more viewers during a typically quieter period in college sports.
Additionally, Steinbrecher expressed satisfaction with UMass’ inaugural season as a full MAC member, despite their loss to Toledo in the semifinals. The conference recently welcomed Sacramento State as a football-only member, with plans for a revised football schedule expected in the coming weeks. Notably, Sacramento State is covering the costs for chartered flights for visiting teams.
In terms of hosting major events, discussions are underway with the Haslam Sports Group regarding the potential for bringing future tournaments to the newly planned stadium in Brookpark, Ohio, which is set to open in 2029. This venue aims to position Cleveland as a potential host for significant events, including the Men’s Final Four and the MAC Football Championship.
The MAC has also hosted various important events, including the 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four and last year’s men’s tournament first and second rounds. As the conference continues to navigate the challenges of college athletics, Steinbrecher’s leadership and vision may pave the way for greater success in the future.
