Frank Beamer, Gene Smith added to CFP committee

The College Football Playoff committee announced Tuesday that it will add three new members in Frank Beamer, Gene Smith, and Chris Howard.

Beamer coached Virginia Tech from 1987-2015, making 22 bowl games and winning ACC Coach of the Year honors twice. Smith serves as the athletic director for Ohio State, helping guide the Buckeyes to a national title in 2014. Howard is the president of FCS program Robert Morris.

"Frank, Chris, and Gene will each bring a wealth of knowledge to the selection committee," executive director Bill Hancock said. "All three played college football. And they will continue the CFP tradition of committee members with high integrity and a passion for college football."

The trio will replace Barry Alvarez, Lloyd Carr, and Condoleezza Rice.

The CFP also noted that Kirby Hocutt will continue in his role as chair of the committee through February 2018.

"We are also delighted that Kirby will return as chair," Hancock added. "He did a tremendous job of leading and facilitating the committee's deliberations, and he was also an excellent representative with the media and public. Likewise, we are pleased that Bobby accepted our invitation to return. He is an excellent evaluator of teams and brings a valuable coach's perspective."