Irving, Texas, December 8, 2025
Rich Clark, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general, has taken the helm as executive director of the College Football Playoff. His extensive military experience and enthusiasm for sports promise to steer the organization through significant changes, including the new 12-team playoff format aimed at inclusivity. Clark’s focus on integrity and transparency has already begun to shape the future of college football, aligning with Texas’s entrepreneurial spirit and improving opportunities for teams across conferences.
Irving, Texas, Welcomes Rich Clark as Executive Director of CFP
Your Go-To Leader for College Football Innovation
Irving, Texas – The College Football Playoff (CFP) has embarked on a transformative journey under the leadership of Rich Clark, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general who stepped into the role of executive director in February 2025. With a rich background in military leadership and a commitment to integrity and fairness, Clark is poised to steer the CFP through its most significant expansion to date: the newly implemented 12-team playoff format.
Clark’s extensive experience in the U.S. Air Force, combined with his deep appreciation for competitive sports, sets a promising tone for the future of college football. Not only does his appointment symbolize the intersection of sports and leadership, but it also resonates with the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in today’s Texas economy.
Background and Career
Rich Clark brings a formidable resume to the CFP, having dedicated 38 years to the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a lieutenant general. His notable tenure included serving as the Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and, intriguingly, playing as a linebacker for the Academy’s Falcons football team. This blend of military discipline and athletic experience illustrates his understanding of teamwork, strategy, and commitment—qualities that will be invaluable as he guides the CFP through unprecedented changes in college football.
Leadership in the College Football Playoff
Under Clark’s stewardship, the College Football Playoff has evolved significantly, particularly with the introduction of the 12-team playoff format for the 2024-25 season. This change represents a critical shift towards greater inclusivity, providing opportunities for a broader range of teams from various conferences, thereby enhancing the excitement and competitive nature of the postseason. The expansion aligns well with growing calls for a more equitable playoff structure, as it offers additional teams the chance to compete for the national championship.
Recent Developments
In addition to overseeing the playoff format expansion, Clark has navigated several key developments since taking on the executive director role:
- Selection Committee Changes: As of November 2025, Arkansas Athletics Director Hunter Yurachek became the chair of the CFP Selection Committee, succeeding Baylor University’s Mack Rhoades. The committee also welcomed back Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan, representing the Big 12 Conference, enhancing the diversity of perspectives in the selection process.
- Playoff Expansion: The newly introduced 12-team playoff format aims to revolutionize the college football postseason, catering to a wide array of teams and promoting a more competitive environment.
- Addressing Integrity Concerns: Clark has shown a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the selection process, notably when voicing concerns over leaks related to playoff berth announcements, underscoring the importance of transparency and fairness.
Conclusion
The leadership of Rich Clark at the College Football Playoff aligns with a broader trend in Texas towards entrepreneurship and innovation in sports management. His military background and commitment to fairness resonate positively within the Dallas community and beyond, reflecting a strong dedication to enhancing college football’s future. As the CFP adapts to these changes, continued support for local and regional teams stands to benefit not only the athletes but also the community and economy as a whole.
FAQ
Who is Rich Clark?
Rich Clark is a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general who has been serving as the executive director of the College Football Playoff since February 2025. He previously served as the Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy.
What is the College Football Playoff?
The College Football Playoff is an annual postseason tournament that determines the national champion of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. It expanded to a 12-team format for the 2024–25 season to provide a more inclusive and competitive postseason experience.
What recent changes have occurred in the College Football Playoff?
In November 2025, Arkansas Athletics Director Hunter Yurachek was appointed as the chair of the CFP Selection Committee, and Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan rejoined the committee to represent the Big 12 Conference. Additionally, the 2024–25 season marked the first year of the 12-team playoff format.
What is the significance of the 12-team playoff expansion?
The expansion to a 12-team playoff format allows for a broader representation of teams from various conferences, enhancing the overall excitement and fairness of the postseason. It provides more opportunities for teams to compete for the national championship.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Leadership | Rich Clark serves as the executive director of the College Football Playoff, overseeing its operations and strategic direction. |
| Playoff Expansion | The College Football Playoff expanded to a 12-team format for the 2024–25 season, allowing for a more inclusive postseason experience. |
| Selection Committee Changes | In November 2025, Arkansas Athletics Director Hunter Yurachek was appointed as the chair of the CFP Selection Committee, and Utah Athletics Director Mark Harlan rejoined the committee to represent the Big 12 Conference. |
| Integrity Measures | Rich Clark emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the selection process, addressing issues such as leaks regarding playoff berths. |
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