The SEC's Greg Sankey is firing back at the American Football Coaches Association's (AFCA) proposed changes to the college football season, and it's a fiery response. Sankey, the SEC commissioner, is not happy about the AFCA's plan to move the calendar up and finish the playoff by the second Monday in January, a move that he believes is ill-advised and lacks proper consultation with decision-makers. He argues that the complexity of scheduling and the competing interests of various stakeholders, including the NFL, make this change problematic.
Sankey highlights the White House's executive orders protecting the Army-Navy game on the second Saturday of December, a tradition that would be disrupted if the playoff shifted earlier. He also points out the potential negative impact on TV ratings, as early December NFL games could cannibalize the playoff's audience. The current playoff format, which extends into January, is a result of navigating these calendar landmines, with the 2027 season ending on January 25, 2028.
The SEC commissioner takes issue with the AFCA's suggestion to eliminate conference championship games, citing signed contracts that commit the SEC to these events. He declines to disclose the length of these deals, citing confidentiality. Sankey expresses disappointment in AFCA executive director Craig Bohl for not engaging in a conversation about the rationale behind their statement, a move he considers a fair leadership expectation.
This response from Sankey is a clear indication of the SEC's stance on the matter, and it underscores the challenges and complexities involved in deciding the future of the College Football Playoff. It's a heated exchange that highlights the differing views among those involved in shaping the sport's future.
