The College Football Playoff Committee has only been active one season, but there has already been a change in its makeup.
CFB executive director Bill Hancock announced Friday that Archie Manning will not rejoin the selection committee and will be replaced by former Vanderbilt and Furman coach Bobby Johnson.
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Manning stepped down from the committee last October, citing health concerns. Hancock said at the time he expected the former Ole Miss quarterback to return to the fold for 2015, but those plans are off:
“I was honored when I was chosen to be on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee,” Manning said. “It’s a great group of people and they did a wonderful job last year. But as I look ahead to the various commitments I have – to my family, numerous time obligations around the country and to other conflicting demands – I have concluded that I won’t be able to return to the committee. I particularly want to watch Peyton and Eli play, in person when I can, and it’s hard to do that when weekends are devoted to watching college games. This is not an easy choice, but it’s the right choice for Olivia and me. The College Football Playoff is a big hit and I wish my colleagues the very best.”
“Everyone on the committee is going to miss Archie,” Hancock said. “He is an all-star, and he knows college football inside and out. On the other hand, we are delighted to welcome Bobby to the committee. His extensive knowledge of the sport and his notable integrity make him a perfect member of this group.”
Johnson coached at Furman from 1994-2001, where he had a 60-36 record. In 2002, he made the move to Vanderbilt and remained there until his retirement in 2010. He was named SEC Coach of the Year and led Vanderbilt to victory at the Music City Bowl in 2008 but finished with a 29-66 record with the Commodores.
“I have tremendous respect for the selection committee and I am honored to join the group,” Johnson said. “As a former player and coach, I’m particularly happy about the opportunity to continue to serve the game.”