CFP selection committee received threats following Florida State snub, contacted FBI

The College Football Playoff selection committee received threats in December after it opted to not include undefeated Florida State in the CFP. On Monday, the selection committee’s executive director, Bill Hancock, revealed the frightening reality of the situation.

“Bill Hancock says the CFP was in contact with the FBI regarding threats against CFP selection committee members and CFP staff after Florida State’s snub,” The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Florida State fans were livid in December when the selection committee chose Alabama and Texas over the Seminoles for the CFP. Alabama and Texas both had one loss. Meanwhile, Florida State became the first undefeated Power Five program in CFP history to not be included.

The selection committee claimed FSU was not one of the four best teams in the country, pointing to its narrow wins without starting quarterback Jordan Travis. Travis went down with a season-ending injury in FSU’s Week 12 win over North Alabama.

Hancock claims the CFP Selection Committee has taken every step it needs to protect its members from outside threats.

“The CFP has hired security for committee members if needed since Dec. 3,” Heather Dinich wrote. “They have made the FBI aware. ‘This one was absolutely over the top and inappropriate. In my 35 years I’ve never seen anything like it.'”

Bill Hancock expected to retire

Hancock won’t have to deal with any drama much longer. Hancock announced his intention to retire earlier this year, and he will stay on through January 2025. On Friday, the CFP announced Air Force Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark will assume the role.

Clark will retire from the Air Force in 2024 and join the CFP for a “transition year,” according to the announcement. Hancock will officially retire in January 2025.

“I’m pleased to announce that Lieutenant General Clark has accepted our offer to run the CFP and I’m highly confident he will do a superb job in this important position,” said Mark Keenum, president of Mississippi State University and the chairman of the College Football Playoff Board of Managers, in a statement. “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.

“I would add that we will surely miss Bill Hancock, but I want to note that Bill has graciously offered to stay on board through January 2025 to help General Clark get ready. Bill will remain at the helm throughout this season, while 2024 will mark a year of transition. Bill has been an outstanding leader for CFP’s first 10 years. Everyone in college football owes Bill a debt of gratitude.”