PITTSBURGH — Jim Phillips stood near the ACC Network’s pregame set outside Acrisure Stadium, his dark suit standing out amid droves of Pittsburgh fans decked out in gameday gear ahead of the Panthers' spotlight-grabbing visit from Notre Dame.

One recognized the Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner as she walked by.

"It's great to see you here,” she said.

“No question,” Phillips replied, reflecting his belief that it is important for him to be everywhere he can.

As he closes in on five years leading the ACC, the Chicago native and former Northwestern athletic director has made a habit out of bouncing throughout the league's new coast-to-coast footprint. He is constantly on the road for sporting events ranging from football with its unquestioned role as the financial driver in college

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