College Football Playoff hires Air Force’s Richard Clark as executive director to replace Bill Hancock

United States Air Force Academy superintendent Lieutenant General Richard Clark will serve as the College Football Playoff’s subsequent executive director, changing Bill Hancock, the CFP introduced on Friday. Hancock is ready to retire as executive director in February 2025 after the CFP strikes to a 12-team layout all over the 2024 school soccer season. Clark being named Hancock’s successor comes someday after the CFP carried out a gathering with FBS commissioners and Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick within the Dallas house. 

“I am honored to become the executive director of the College Football Playoff,” Clark stated in a observation. “College football is an American tradition unlike any other. Especially now, as the Playoff is expanding from four teams to 12 teams, this is an exciting time for fans and everyone involved in this great game. I’m excited to be a part of it and I look forward to beginning my work.”

Hancock, who has directed the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2012 and was once identified as its first worker, introduced his retirement plans in June. The CFP is in its ultimate season with a four-team box, which has been the layout because it was once applied in time for the 2014 season.

Clark graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1986 and was once a linebacker for the Falcons soccer group. He has flown in a trio of Middle East conflicts all over his carrier time and has held his function on the academy since September 2020. Clark will retire from Air Force accountability in 2024 prior to starting in his new function. 

“I want to thank Bill Hancock for all that he’s done for college football,” Clark added. “He will certainly leave big shoes to fill and I look forward to his mentorship. I also want to thank the U.S Air Force Academy, where I have built so many incredible relationships. It is the place that launched my military and academic career. It will be hard to leave the service after 38 years and I will always be indebted to the Academy and the Air Force.”

Leadership above all

Clark is a novel determine to emerge as the selection over two different finalists. The former megastar soccer participant has a protracted and prominent profession within the Air Force and has won awards starting from the Bronze Star to the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal after serving in battle. After serving as a deputy leader of group of workers within the Air Force, Clark was once named superintendent of the Air Force Academy in September 2020, turning into the primary Black superintendent on the faculty. 

“General Clark’s experience leading the U.S Air Force Academy as a Three-star General and also being a four-year letter winner with the U.S Air Force Football team gives him a strong background to excel in this crucial leadership role,” Mississippi State president Mark Keenum, the CFP Board of Managers chair, stated in a observation. 

The College Football Playoff hasn’t ever shied clear of involving figures with revel in outdoor of the game. General Ray Odierno and previous secretary of state Condoleezza Rice each served at the College Football Playoff Selection Committee in spite of now not keeping formal positions in school soccer. 

As superintendent, Clark oversees each and every a part of the Air Force Academy, together with athletics. Notably, Clark additionally oversees a extremely a hit soccer program at Air Force. The Falcons have earned a 28-7 file in 3 seasons since Clark took over the location full-time beneath trainer Troy Calhoun. Air Force was once ranked No. 25 within the first College Football Playoff Rankings on Oct. 31 prior to falling out after a loss towards Army. 

Clark does now not have a lot revel in on the administrative degree of primary school soccer, on the other hand. His background runs opposite to Hancock, who helped lead the Bowl Championship Series for just about a decade prior to taking up as College Football Playoff executive director.

Pivotal second

Clark is ready to oversee some of the dynamic transitions within the historical past of school soccer. He is predicted to sign up for Hancock as the game transitions to the 12-team box, however many key logistical problems stay unanswered. Leaders met in Dallas on Thursday and mentioned main points starting from shuttle concerns for on-campus video games to a revised tv contract for the 2024 and 2025 CFPs, the overall two last at the preliminary 12-year CFP contract. 

However, the expanded playoff would possibly simplest be the primary hurdle for Clark as he enters the brand new task. Many in school soccer are petitioning for keep watch over of FBS soccer to transfer clear of the NCAA, and a few have posited the CFP as a possible group to take over. If that have been to occur, Clark may just briefly change into some of the essential figures within the game. It’s one of the most elements that makes this seek so crucial. 

“I would say, be prepared for anything,” Hancock stated in Dallas. “Be prepared for that, the CFP having more of a role in governance matters. I always say, it’s the best job in America, but you have to be prepared for anything.”