College Football Playoff losing a legend to retirement

It feels like somewhat strange timing. Or, perhaps for College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock, it's the perfect timing to step away.

It's being reported that Hancock is planning on retiring once his contact expiries in February of 2025. He'll remain in his position until after the 2023 season and then will take on a consultant role to help whoever the new executive director may be. Notably, the CFP will expand from four teams to a 12 teams for the 2024 season, so Hancock's expertise may be heavily relied on.

"My time at the CFP has been a dream come true," Hancock, 72, said in a statement. "I cherish what I do and the folks I get to work with. And I do love college football. Now I will run through the tape, as the track coaches say, and then I will enjoy whatever next steps are waiting for Nicki and me."

Hancock is the "OG" of the CFP. He was named the executive director of the CFP in 2012, when college football transitioned from the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) system to the playoff. Simply put, Hancock is a leadership legend in the arena of college sports. He was the first full-time director of the NCAA Men's Final Four, the first administrator of the BCS, and of course — the first CFP director.

"Everyone who is blessed to work with Bill knows he is a highly skilled administrator, strong leader and truly good person. He's a legend in college sports," said Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum, the chairman of the CFP Board of Managers. "We were sorry when Bill told us about his and Nicki's decision, but we are so grateful for his service in getting the CFP started and carrying it through the first nine years—10 after next year."

There will be a national search to find Hancock's eventual replacement.