Justin Fuente Joins College Football Playoff as Senior Adviser
The College Football Playoff (CFP) has appointed former college football coach Justin Fuente as its new senior adviser for football. This role aims to incorporate a coach’s perspective into the CFP’s policies and procedures, enhancing the governance of college football at the highest level.
Fuente will report directly to Rich Clark, the executive director of the CFP. In his advisory capacity, Fuente will provide insights on operational matters, engaging with FBS conference offices, the NCAA, and the national coordinator of football officiating. Additionally, he will collaborate with the CFP staff to implement playoff policies and best practices related to game operations, officiating, technology, and other essential considerations.
Expertise from a Seasoned Coach
Clark expressed enthusiasm about Fuente’s addition to the team, stating, “We are excited to have Justin joining the CFP. 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 over two decades of coaching experience to this role, having served as head coach at both Virginia Tech and Memphis. His tenure at Memphis saw notable success, including a shared championship in the American Athletic Conference in 2014, where he was recognized as conference coach of the year. He also received the same accolade in 2016 while coaching at Virginia Tech.
“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.”
A Journey Through Coaching
Prior to his head coaching roles, Fuente dedicated 11 seasons to various offensive assistant coaching positions at Illinois State and TCU. A standout quarterback in high school at Union High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Fuente began his collegiate career at Oklahoma before transferring to Murray State. Following his graduation, he played for the Oklahoma Wranglers in the Arena Football League before transitioning to coaching.
With Fuente’s wealth of experience and insights, the College Football Playoff is poised to benefit from his guidance as it navigates the complexities of college football governance. His appointment marks a significant step in ensuring that the voices of coaches and players remain integral to the decision-making processes within the playoff framework.
