Ever since J-School Buzz broke the story that Missouri School of Journalism legend Brian Brooks was retiring, you have probably been guessing who is going to replace him. We have been making a lot of guesses, too!

That’s why we are going to lay down the odds for who his replacement will be, in case any of you at home are taking bets about who will be the new Brian Books. Let’s fire up the rumor mill!

First, we will admit that JSB has a complicated history with this J-School legend. There was that time Brooks chewed us out for reporting that Mizzou’s journalism grads are less successful than other majors at finding jobs. He also did not much care for our stories on the J-School’s dumb Apple MacBook requirements.

But that’s all in the past, and as much as we still admire the man, the Missouri School of Journalism must go on without him! So, who will it be? Here are JSB’s (approximate) odds for his replacement as associate dean for undergraduate studies.

Charles Davis: 2:1

He’s white! He’s male! He’s squeaky clean and pretty much the expert around here on journalism ethics. He’s got it all!

Suzette Heiman: 3:1

She is basically Brooks’s right-hand woman, and it would be great to have a lady breaking the glass ceiling. Plus, she knows how to sell the Missouri School of Journalism. I saw it on a weekly basis as a Journalism Ambassador. Selling the value of an expensive journalism school for a dying declining profession is a huge asset for anyone in this position.

Eric Blumberg: 20:1

He is already known for his very close relationships with students. In fact, it seems like every Broadcast student has a few stories to tell about just how close he is with his students. Seems like a perfect fit! If you have any stories to share about how close he is with students, shoot us an email: Tips [at] JSchoolBuzz [dot] com.

Joy Mayer: 100: 1

It seems like every student who encounters Mayer loves and respects her, your humble blogger included. Plus, she is young and has actually good ideas on how journalism can work in the 21st century, instead of the usual worthless drivel that come out of those “future of journalism” conversations. Ah, it’s never going to happen, sorry we even brought it up.

Chris Spurlock: 500:1

The recent Convergence grad whose resume became a viral sensation and who got hired at the Huffington Post as a result is poised to make a comeback. He was even voted by J-School Buzz readers as “Most likely to be the next Brian Brooks,” so it has essentially already been decided. Welcome back to Mizzou, Chris!

If you have any information on who will end up replacing Brian Brooks, you know how to reach us.

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