Mike Slive returning as SEC commissioner for next academic year

SEC commissioner Mike Slive will help the league usher in a new television network in August. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive isn't going anywhere for the foreseeable future saying he is returning for the 2014-15 academic year because the league has too much on its plate for him to step aside.

Slive, 73, has been in charge of the conference since 2002 and has enjoyed unprecedented success, especially with its football institutions. In his tenure, the conference also has expanded from 12 to 14 teams, and in August the SEC will launch its own network.

"I've got too much going on," Slive said to AL.com. "I've got the (SEC) Network to work on. I've got football scheduling to solve. We've got the NCAA restructuring. We've got a lot of important issues to take care of. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

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Slive's contract is set to expire at the end of this academic year and he declined to say when he is going to retire.

"I'll be here as long as you see me," he said. "I'll be working until I'm not working."