Earlier this year, former Virginia Tech football coach Justin Fuente was hired as the analyst for TCU football games on the radio this fall. Now, he's been added to college football's biggest committee.
On Tuesday, Rich Clark, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff (CFP), named Fuente the committee's Senior Advisor for Football. This is a newly-created role for the former Hokies head coach. Since being fired in November 2021, the former veteran college coach, who came to Blacksburg from Memphis, has stayed out of the spotlight.
“We are excited to have Justin joining the CFP,” Clark said. “He is well respected among his peers in college football, has an impressive knowledge of the game and understands the perspective of coaches and players. He will be a great fit for our team.”
Fuente brings 21 years of coaching experience into his role with the committee, with the last heading spot being at Virginia Tech, and by now, all Hokies' fans know how the tenure ended after he replaced the legend, Frank Beamer. You never want to be the guy who follows the guy, and things ended horrendously for him in Blacksburg. Now, the current head coach, Brent Pry, is in a similar situation in Year 4.
“I am thrilled about this new opportunity for my family and me,” Fuente said. “Football has been an important part of my life as a player, teammate, and coach, and I appreciate this chance to give back to the game I love. I look forward to working with the College Football Playoff staff and helping to grow one of the great events in all of sports.”
Last year, the College Football Playoff expanded to 12 teams, and now Fuente will join the board that will start ranking the Top 25 teams later this year. According to the press release from the CFP, Fuente is responsible for designated operational matters that enhance the overall quality of the CFP, including consulting with the FBS conference offices, NCAA, NCAA National Coordinator of Football Officiating, and the CFP’s Chief Medical Officer.