Former Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer is one of three new members to join the College Football Playoff selection committee this season.
Beamer will be joined by Ohio State athletics director Gene Smith and former Robert Morris University president Chris Howard.
"Frank, Chris and Gene will each bring a wealth of knowledge to the selection committee," Playoff executive director Bill Hancock said in a statement Tuesday. "All three played college football. And they will continue the CFP tradition of committee members with high integrity and a passion for college football."
"I had to make sure it wasn't someone pulling my leg when I got the call inquiring whether I'd be interested in serving on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee," Beamer said following the announcement. "When Bill Hancock assured me that that it was quite legitimate, it didn't take me long to sign up. What an honor and what a privilege!"
"This is a tremendous honor and privilege to be appointed to this committee," Smith said from Nashville, Tenn., where he is attending the NCAA national convention. "The sport of football has given so much to me and I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to be able to give back."
The trio will replace outgoing members Barry Alvarez and Condoleezza Rice, whose three-year terms expired, and Lloyd Carr, who withdrew from the committee due to health reasons.
Hancock also announced that Kirby Hocutt would remain as the committee's chairman for another season. The Texas Tech athletics director just completed his first season in charge of the group, taking over for Arkansas AD Jeff Long in 2016.
"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."
The selection committee is composed of: Hocutt, Beamer, Jeff Bower, Herb Deromedi, Howard, Tom Jernstedt, Bobby Johnson, Jeff Long, Rob Mullens, Dan Radakovich, Smith, Steve Wieberg and Tyrone Willingham.
The 13 member committee is responsible for determining the four teams selected for the semifinals and the teams eligible for the New Year's Six bowl games.
