The Atlantic Coast Conference hired Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips on Monday to be the leagueâs next commissioner, replacing the retiring John Swofford. Phillips has been Northwesternâs AD since 2008, leading the athletic department through a period of success in competition and growth in facilities. During his tenure the Wildcats have been to nine bowl games and won Big Ten division titles in football; the menâs basketball team made its first NCAA tournament appearance; and womenâs lacrosse won three national titles. Phillips oversaw the funding and development of Northwesternâs $270 million Walter Athletics Center and Ryan Fieldhouse indoor practice facility located on Lake Michiganâs shores.