Coaches group supports earlier CFP finish and proposes changes to accomplish that
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) proposes eliminating conference championship games and other scheduling changes to ensure the College Football Playoff (CFP) concludes by the second Monday in January.
- The AFCA recommends reducing bye weeks from two to one and shortening the minimum days between games to six, while preserving a dedicated window for the Army-Navy game and allowing flexibility for other games on that day.
- The group emphasizes aligning the season more closely with the academic calendar and the single transfer portal window to support student-athletes and improve competitive rhythm.
- Although the AFCA did not endorse a specific playoff field size, it suggested future models should maximize participation while adhering to the proposed completion date.
- The current 12-team playoff format remains unchanged for the upcoming season, with conference championships scheduled for early December and the national championship game set for January 25, 2027.
