In a pretty big move, the College Football Playoff (CFP) just brought in former Memphis and Virginia Tech head coach Justin Fuente as its first-ever Senior Advisor for Football. This is a brand-new position, and Fuente will be working closely with the CFP’s staff, acting as a bridge to schools and conferences.
He’ll help keep games running smoothly and, hopefully, raise the overall quality of the CFP. Honestly, Fuente’s been around college football long enough that this seems like a smart fit.
Justin Fuente’s New Role Explained
So, what exactly will Fuente be doing? He won’t be breaking down game film or ranking teams for the Selection Committee.
Instead, his job is more about the nuts and bolts behind the scenes. Fuente will guide operational matters, working with FBS conference offices, the NCAA, the National Coordinator of Football Officiating, and the CFP’s Chief Medical Officer.
He’s also going to consult on playoff policies and best practices for things like game operations, officiating, and technology. Basically, if it’s a policy or process, Fuente will probably have a hand in it.
Operational Excellence and Strategic Guidance
Fuente’s main focus is making sure the CFP’s game operations don’t hit any snags. Here’s a quick rundown of what he’ll be doing:
- Talking with FBS conference offices
- Coordinating with the NCAA and its National Coordinator of Football Officiating
- Collaborating with the CFP’s Chief Medical Officer
- Helping put playoff policies and best practices into action
- Boosting game operations, officiating, and tech
Fuente’s Background and Expertise
Fuente’s got a lot of experience to bring to the table. He was the head coach at both Memphis and Virginia Tech, so he knows the ins and outs of the game.
He’s got respect among his peers and a reputation for understanding the player and coach perspective. That kind of experience is hard to fake.
A Respected Figure in College Football
The CFP staff seem genuinely excited about Fuente joining up. Bill Hancock, the CFP Executive Director, called him well-respected and said he really gets the game.
Fuente himself seems pretty pumped, too. He said he’s grateful for the chance to give back to a sport he loves and is looking forward to working with the CFP crew.
Balancing Multiple Roles
On top of his new CFP gig, Fuente is still doing color commentary for TCU’s radio team. The CFP offices are in Irving, Texas—about a half-hour from Fort Worth, where TCU is based.
That short drive makes it possible for Fuente to juggle both jobs. He’ll get to use his football know-how in both places, which honestly sounds kind of fun.
Fuente’s Impact on TCU’s Broadcasts
Fuente’s coaching background gives him a unique edge as a radio analyst. His takes help listeners understand the strategies and little details that most folks miss.
By splitting his time between CFP and TCU, Fuente’s set up to make a real difference in both spots. That’s the kind of versatility you don’t see every day.
The Future of the College Football Playoff
Bringing Fuente in as Senior Advisor for Football feels like a smart move by the CFP. His background should help tackle operational challenges and put better practices in place.
Enhancing the CFP Experience
With Fuente’s input, the CFP should be better at handling all the moving parts—game ops, officiating, tech, you name it. His presence could help keep the playoff system fair and fun for everyone involved.
Conclusion
Justin Fuente’s appointment as the first Senior Advisor for Football for the College Football Playoff is a pretty big deal for the organization. He’s got years of experience and just seems to get the game in a way that makes him a solid fit for this new gig.
Fuente will focus on operations and offer some strategic advice. It’s likely we’ll see his influence ripple through the CFP in the coming seasons.
He’s also juggling his work with the CFP and TCU’s radio team. That can’t be easy, but honestly, it might make his perspective even sharper.
For more on Justin Fuente’s new role, check out the full article on Football Scoop.
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