Gus Malzahn, Jeff Tedford joining CFP selection committee

Field Level Media|published: Mon 30th March, 15:23 2026

Nov 28, 2020; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn walks the field as his team arrives at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the Iron Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via Imagn Images

Former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and Cal head coach Jeff Tedford are joining the College Football Playoff's selection committee starting next season.

They will serve three-year terms, alongside fellow new member and Louisiana athletic director Bryan Maggard.

"The additions of Bryan Maggard, Gus Malzahn and Jeff Tedford will introduce strong, fresh perspectives to the selection committee as we enter our 13th season," CFP executive director Rich Clark said in a statement Monday. "Each brings a deep understanding of the game, a genuine passion for college football and a commitment to integrity and excellence. Their diverse backgrounds as university leaders, recent coaches and former student-athletes will complement our returning members and allow for a seamless transition."

Malzahn retired in February after one season as Florida State's offensive coordinator, ending a 35-year coaching career which included head coaching stints at Arkansas State (2012), Auburn (2013-20) and UCF (2021-24). He had a career record of 105-62 as a head coach, won the 2010 national championship as Auburn's offensive coordinator and led the Tigers to the 2013 national championship game as head coach, losing to Florida State.

Tedford was head coach at Cal from 2002-12 and at Fresno State from 2017-19 and 2022-23. He remains the winningest coach in Cal football history (82) and had a 126-79 career record.

Maggard is in his ninth season as Louisiana's AD. He becomes the sixth active AD on the CFP committee and the second representative from the Group of Six ranks.

Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek will also return as CFP committee chair after taking over last November when Baylor AD Mack Rhoades stepped down from the role due to personal reasons.

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return as chair of the selection committee," Yurachek said in a statement. "It was an honor to work alongside such a committed group last year, and I'm excited to continue building on that momentum this fall. Every member of this committee shares a deep passion for college football and a strong commitment to upholding the integrity and excellence of the playoff process."

--Field Level Media