The College Football Playoff Selection Committee is adding two veterans of college athletics. Troy Dannen, athletics director at the University of Nebraska, and Jeff Long, a former AD at multiple Power Five schools, have been appointed to the committee, CFP Executive Director Rich Clark announced Monday.
Dannen replaces Damon Evans, who recently took over as athletic director at SMU. Long will serve a one-year term, stepping in for Steve Weiberg, who stepped down due to personal reasons.
“We are pleased to have Troy and Jeff join the committee,” said Clark. “Troy brings strong leadership experience and a deep understanding of college athletics, while Jeff returns as the CFP’s original chair, offering immediate perspective and continuity.”
College Football Playoff Selection Committee gets new members
Dannen is in his second year at Nebraska. Based upon the press release that announced his addition, the Huskers have a Final Four and national runner-up finishes in volleyball and wrestling, respectively, since his arrival. Nebraska also won the Big 10 title in baseball and in men's track and field.
His previous roles include AD positions at Washington and Tulane. He has also served on influential NCAA committees that helped shape the current collegiate athletics landscape.
Long is a 40-year veteran of college sports and chaired the first CFP selection committee in 2014. His résumé includes leadership stints at Kansas, Arkansas, Pitt, and Eastern Kentucky, with recognition from Sports Business Journal as Athletic Director of the Year in 2015. Long has also held key roles in NCAA governance and worked as a coach and administrator in major conferences.
The CFP selection committee ranks the nation’s top 25 teams weekly from November through the postseason, ultimately selecting the 12 teams that will compete in the expanded playoff format.
Both Dannen and Long are expected to begin their service this fall.