SEC AD to be named new CFP selection committee chair, replacing Mack Rhoades
By Jake Faigus
Published:
The College Football Playoff is undergoing a significant change in the middle of the season, with less than a month away until the final selections are made.
Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger was the first to report on Thursday that Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades had stepped down from his role as chairman of the committee after taking a leave of absence from Baylor.
Later on Thursday, the CFP selection committee formally approved Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek to serve as the new chair.
“We are deeply appreciative of Mack Rhoades’ leadership and service as Chair of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee this season,” CFP executive director Rich Clark said in a statement. “Mack has informed us of his decision to step down for personal reasons, and our thoughts are with him and his family during this time.
“We are pleased to announce that Hunter Yurachek will assume the role of Selection Committee Chair, effective immediately. Hunter’s experience, integrity, and commitment to the game make him exceptionally well-suited to lead the committee as it continues its important work throughout the remainder of the season.”
Rhoades initiated the leave due to “personal reasons,” which left the committee with 11 members, as opposed to its normal number of 13. Baylor reportedly initiated an investigation into Rhoades over alleged violations of the school’s faith-based policies and practices.
The committee also approved the addition of Utah athletic director Mark Harlan to join the committee in place of Rhoades.
Despite the sudden moves, the committee is adding a wealth of experience. Yurachek has been an athletic director for 15 years and has been at Arkansas since 2017, while Harlan has been at Utah for the last 6 years.
