Navy AD says they will join the Big East (sooner or later)

CBSsports.com reported last night that Navy is preparing to join the Big East conference, although it is unlikely to happen any time soon.

Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk told CBS’s Brett McMurphy that “everyone in Navy’s chain of command is comfortable [with the Big East]and the direction it’s going,” although he added that academy superintendent Vice Adm. Michael Miller will ultimately make the final decision.

“We’re bringing some sizzle to the steak,” Gladchuk told CBS. “That’s why we’re excited about the possibility of the Big East and the Big East is excited about us. We [Navy and the Big East] would both like to get to the goal line.”

That’s the strongest statement about moving to the Big East that’s come from Annapolis so far. In the wake of the Big East’s announcement of new members last week, Gladchuk did tell the (Annapolis) Capital that Navy would not be joining the conference until at least 2015.

There are still a lot of details to iron out, such as scheduling issues and TV contracts. And that’s where things could get messy for Navy and the Big East. Navy is locked into a deal with CBS College Sports and CBS Sports through 2018. CBS, of course, broadcasts the annual Army-Navy game. Meanwhile, the Big East is currently under contract with ABC/ESPN until 2013.

Whenever Navy moves to the Big East, Army and Air Force won’t be joining them. Army has shown no public interest in joining, despite rumors earlier this year. Air Force last week committed to staying in the Mountain West Conference.