College Football Playoff names Air Force Lt. Gen Richard Clark as executive director

The College Football Playoff has reportedly zeroed in on a new executive director to succeed Bill Hancock, who is retiring after next season. The choice is Air Force Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, the CFP announced on Friday.

Clark played football as a cadet at the academy in the 1980s before going on to a career in the Air Force, deploying multiple times throughout his service. Clark was named superintendent of the Air Force Academy in 2020, making him the first Black superintendent in the history of the school.

Clark, 59, enjoyed a decorated military career, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star, among other merits as a combat pilot and then commander. He will be retiring from the Air Force in 2024.

His football career at the academy was notable, too. As a senior linebacker in 1985, Clark helped lead the Falcons to a 12-1 record and a Top 10 final ranking.

“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. “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.”

As leader of the College Football Playoff, Clark will be taking over at a time of extensive change: The CFP is expanding to 12 teams next season, and is requisitely in the market for a new television deal that should be highly lucrative.

Hancock, who is officially retiring when his contract expires in February 2025, will be relinquishing his leadership duties following the current season.

Hancock announced his planned retirement over the summer

Hancock has been with the CFP since its evolution into existence back in 2012.

“My time at the CFP has been a dream come true,” Hancock said in a statement. “I cherish what I do and the folks I get to work with. And I do love college football. Now I will run through the tape, as the track coaches say, and then I will enjoy whatever next steps are waiting for Nicki and me.”

Once the transition is complete and hopefully successful, Hancock will give the reigns to someone else.

“The plan was established several years ago for me to notify the CFP Board of Managers a year in advance if I decided to step aside, in order to provide ample time to plan a smooth transition to the next executive director,” Hancock said in the statement. “I’m advising the board now, so the new executive director will have a long on-ramp, as he or she prepares to guide the CFP into the 12-team era.”

Hancock has been around college athletics for quite some time and held some significant positions. He was the full-time director of the NCAA Men’s Final Four for 16 years. Eventually, the BCS hired Hancock as their administrator before the College Football Playoff came calling.