Gene Taylor, Kansas State's athletic director, will replace Chris Del Conte as Texas' athletic director on the College Football Playoff selection panel. The CFP announced Wednesday.ESPN was told by a spokesperson for CFP that Del Conte was replaced by the Big 12. Bob Bowlsby, Big 12 commissioner, has publicly criticised the secrecy that led to his flagship programs moving to the SEC.Bowlsby stated that, "Given the events," he told ESPN Wednesday that "we felt we'd be better represented by another AD."Del Conte wasn't immediately available to comment.Taylor was nominated and approved by the Big 12 commissioners as well as Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame athletic director, for a three year term.Bill Hancock, executive director of CFP, stated in a statement that Gene is respected and would make an excellent member to the committee. We look forward to welcoming Gene to the group.Since 2017, Taylor has been Kansas State's athletic director. The Wildcats have reached three bowl games under his leadership. He was previously the Iowa State AD (2014-17), and North Dakota State AD (1901-14).Taylor released a statement saying that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve on CFP Selection Committee. "I am grateful to the Big 12 for nominating me. The selection committee is a critical task. I'm honored to be part of this process.CFP Selection Committee is responsible for selecting four teams to play in the playoff, assigning them semifinal games and ranking the Top 25 teams.Other members of the selection committee include: Gary Barta (Iowa Athletic Director), Mitch Barnhart(Kentucky Athletic Director), Paola Boivin [Arizona State Professor], Tom Burman (Wyoming athletic director], Charlie Cobb (Georgia State athletic director), Boo Corrigan, Rick George (Colorado athletic director), Will Shields (“former All American offensive lineman from Nebraska”), Joe Taylor (Virgy Corp. group President), Tyrone Willingham (former at Stanford, Notre Dame and Washington).
