Ex-coach Bobby Johnson to replace Archie Manning on College Football Playoff committee

After departing the inaugural College Football Playoff selection committee due to health issues in October, former Ole Miss and NFL quarterback Archie Manning will not rejoin the group, executive director Bill Hancock announced in a statement Friday. Former Vanderbilt and Furman head coach Bobby Johnson will take his place on the 13-member committee.

A former wide receiver and cornerback at Clemson, Johnson coached as an assistant at Furman from 1976-1992, departing to become the defensive coordinator for the Tigers in 1993. He was hired back the next year by Furman as the school's head coach, leading the Paladins to a 60-36 record and three straight I-AA playoff appearances (including one appearance in the national title game). He was hired by Vanderbilt in 2002, making one bowl game (the program's first since 1982) in eight years and retiring with a 29-66 record at the school after 2009.

Former North Carolina State head coach Tom O'Brien was also reportedly considered for the position. Johnson is the second new member on the committee this season, joining Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt.