CFP chair Hunter Yurachek answers if Lane Kiffin’s exit will penalize Ole Miss originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
College Football Playoff selection committee chair Hunter Yurachek clarified Tuesday that Ole Miss will not be penalized in the rankings based on reports of Lane Kiffin’s potential departure — at least not yet.
During a teleconference following the release of the fourth CFP rankings, Yurachek reiterated that the committee does not “look ahead” and will only act when there is an actual change that impacts a team’s on-field makeup.
His comments followed an ESPN interview earlier in the day in which he said the committee had no “data point” regarding how Kiffin’s exit might affect the seventh-ranked Rebels.
Yurachek was asked to further explain the committee’s stance after reports surfaced that Ole Miss’ ranking could be impacted if Kiffin leaves. Yurachek acknowledged that the CFP protocol allows the committee to consider the loss of a key coach or player but emphasized the process is reactive, not speculative.
“We’ll take care of that when it happens. We don’t look ahead,” Yurachek said via On3. “The loss of a player, the loss of a key coach is in the principles of how we rank the teams. But again, we don’t have a data point for Ole Miss without their head coach.”
When asked directly whether the committee could penalize Ole Miss, Yurachek confirmed Kiffin’s departure would be “considered,” adding further intrigue as the Rebels prepare for Saturday’s Egg Bowl.
Despite the swirl of reports that LSU, Florida and Ole Miss are preparing major offers for Kiffin, Yurachek said the committee had no discussion about his future when ranking the Rebels this week. Ole Miss fell one spot to No. 7, eclipsed by Oregon’s rise after defeating USC.
“That was all about Oregon,” Yurachek said. “Their strength of schedule continues to climb, and the committee had been waiting for them to get a signature win.”
More college football news:
- Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
- Ole Miss reportedly gives Lane Kiffin an ultimatum as family visits Florida and LSU
- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
- Bill Belichick goes viral for awkward handshake after Wake Forest loss
- Texas state trooper reportedly relieved of duties after player exchange at Texas A&M
