Full Breakdown
New Appointments to the College Football Playoff Selection Committee
3/31/2026, 1:02:53 AM
Overview of New Committee Members
The College Football Playoff (CFP) Management Committee has announced the appointment of three new members to its selection committee: Gus Malzahn, former head coach at Arkansas State, Auburn, and UCF; Jeff Tedford, former head coach at Cal and Fresno State; and Dr. Bryan Maggard, athletic director at the University of Louisiana. These appointments come as the committee prepares for its 13th season, with the new members set to serve three-year terms starting this spring.
Profiles of New Members
Gus Malzahn
Gus Malzahn has a distinguished coaching career spanning over 35 years, including significant tenures at Arkansas State, Auburn, and UCF. He is recognized for his innovative offensive strategies and has a career record of 105-62. Malzahn's notable achievements include winning a national championship as Auburn's offensive coordinator in 2010 and leading the Tigers to an SEC championship and a BCS National Championship Game appearance in 2013. His coaching accolades also include three conference championships and eight conference championship game appearances.
Jeff Tedford
Jeff Tedford is celebrated for his transformative impact on college football programs, particularly at Cal, where he led the Golden Bears to consistent bowl appearances and a share of the 2006 Pac-10 title. Tedford holds a career record of 127-79 and is the all-time winningest coach at Cal, guiding the team to eight bowl games. His recent success at Fresno State included two Mountain West titles and multiple top-25 finishes.
Dr. Bryan Maggard
Dr. Bryan Maggard has served as the athletic director at the University of Louisiana for nearly a decade, overseeing a period of significant success for the Ragin' Cajuns, including 20 Sun Belt Conference titles and numerous postseason appearances. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the athletic department's profile, including a record fundraising year in 2021-22. Maggard's academic background includes a Ph.D. in Educational and Counseling Psychology, and he has held various roles in collegiate athletics, including at the University of Missouri.
Official Statements & Responses
CFP Executive Director Rich Clark emphasized the importance of the new appointments, stating, "The additions of Bryan Maggard, Gus Malzahn, and Jeff Tedford will introduce strong, fresh perspectives to the selection committee... Each brings a deep understanding of the game, a genuine passion for college football, and a commitment to integrity and excellence." Hunter Yurachek, returning as committee chair, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading the committee, highlighting the shared passion for college football among its members.
Criticism & Opposition
While the new appointments have been generally well-received, there are ongoing discussions regarding the committee's composition and the selection process. Critics argue that the balance between athletic directors and former coaches may not adequately represent the diverse perspectives needed for fair evaluations in the playoff selection process.
What's Next
The newly appointed members will begin their terms as the committee prepares for the 2026 season, which will maintain the 12-team playoff format established in previous years. The committee's role includes ranking the top 25 teams and selecting the playoff field, a process that is expected to evolve as discussions about further expansion of the playoff format continue.
Verbatim Quotes
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return as chair of the selection committee,” — Hunter Yurachek, Athletic Director, University of Arkansas
“The additions of Bryan Maggard, Gus Malzahn and Jeff Tedford will introduce strong, fresh perspectives to the selection committee as we enter our 13th season,” — Rich Clark, Executive Director, College Football Playoff
