Pat Haden to step down from CFB Playoff Committee
By John Buhler
USC Athletic Director Pat Haden is stepping down from the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, effectively immediately.
The College Football Playoff Selection Committee will now be without USC Athletic Director Pat Haden, who is stepping down immediately because of health concerns when it comes to traveling.
Haden said through Executive Director of the College Football Playoff Bill Hancock, “I am reluctant to step down, but my doctors advised me to reduce my traveling. With the weekly CFP meetings about to start and the travel commitment involved, I had to make this difficult decision. I feel it is in the best interest of the CFP and also of USC, with our current college football coaching change and our upcoming Coliseum renovation.”
Pat Haden to step down from #CFBPlayoff Selection Committee. Press release: https://t.co/Y1mVUQsJ6H
— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) October 30, 2015
The former USC quarterback (1970-73) was one of the thirteen original members of the first Selection Committee, representing the Pac-12’s interest. Haden was in the second year of his two-year commitment with the Committee. The initial plan was that the inaugural committee would serve staggered terms.
Interestingly enough, Haden isn’t the first Committee member to leave, nor is he the first to do so because of health concerns. Ole Miss quarterback great Archie Manning had to step down because of health issues last year. Former West Virginia quarterback and athletic director Oliver Luck left the Committee and WVU to take a job with the NCAA.
Like Manning’s resignation, this one from Haden is coming minutes to midnight before the Committee is to meet in Dallas to start beginning the selection process. Though the Committee will continue to work objectively, it will need a new Pac-12 representative, just like USC needs a new head coach.
Though it might actually be health concerns that are hindering Pat Haden from his Selection Committee obligations, not having a head coach is probably more important for he and USC. Entering Week 9 of the College Football Season, USC remains as the most lucrative head coaching gig over Miami, South Carolina, and Maryland.