A New Era for the CFP Selection Committee
College football’s governing body announced Tuesday that Doug Gillin, the long‑time athletics director at Appalachian State University, has been selected to serve on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. The appointment was made official by Rich Clark, the executive director of the CFP, who highlighted Gillin’s two‑decade track record of building competitive programs and his recent role in guiding App State to a series of historic bowl victories.
Gillin succeeds Dr. Bryan Maggard, who is transitioning to a senior leadership position at the University of Missouri after serving the committee for several years. Maggard’s departure marks the end of a tenure that helped shape the committee’s ranking methodology and selection process.
A Storied Tenure at Appalachian State
During his 12‑year stint at Appalachian State, Gillin oversaw the Mountaineers’ rise from a mid‑major program to a consistent contender, culminating in a 13‑1 season in 2019 that set a new benchmark for Sun Belt football. The team captured four straight Sun Belt championships between 2016 and 2019 and earned bowl eligibility in each of its first six FBS seasons, a first for any program in the conference.
Gillin’s professional journey includes senior roles at Missouri, Lehigh, New Mexico and Syracuse, where he honed his skills in talent acquisition, compliance and strategic planning. From 2020 to 2023 he also contributed to the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee, a forum that monitors rules implementation across the sport.
Looking Ahead to Las Vegas
The CFP Selection Committee will continue its annual ritual of ranking the top 25 teams, with meetings scheduled to begin in early November as the regular season reaches its climax. The culmination of the cycle will be the CFP National Championship, slated for January 25, 2027 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gillin holds a Bachelor of Science in physical education from SUNY Cortland (1991) and a master’s degree in physical education from Ohio University, credentials that reflect his deep roots in athletic development. His appointment underscores the CFP’s commitment to drawing experienced administrators who understand both the competitive and academic dimensions of college football.