(WHSV) – Former Virginia Tech and Memphis head coach Justin Fuente has been named senior advisor for football at the College Football Playoff, Executive Director Rich Clark announced Tuesday.
Fuente joins the CFP after more than two decades in collegiate coaching, including head coaching roles at Memphis (2012–15) and Virginia Tech (2016–21). He was named conference coach of the year twice: once in 2014 (American Athletic Conference) and 2016 (Atlantic Coast Conference). His 2014 Memphis team won the AAC title.
“We are excited to have Justin joining the CFP,” Clark said in a news release. “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.”
In the newly created role, Fuente will consult on playoff operations, including game management, officiating, and health and safety. He will also serve as a liaison with FBS conferences, the NCAA, the National Coordinator of Football Officiating, and the CFP’s chief medical officer.
“Football has been an important part of my life as a player, teammate and coach,” Fuente said. “I appreciate this chance to give back to the game I love.”
Before his head coaching career, Fuente spent time as an assistant at Illinois State and TCU. He also played quarterback at Oklahoma and Murray State before a brief professional career in the Arena Football League.
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