Former Oregon State, Nebraska Coach Mike Riley Named to CFP Selection Committee

Patrick Andres | May 4, 2024

Sep 29, 2017; Champaign, IL, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Mike Riley observes his team. / Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

The College Football Playoff selection committee—a group perennially saddled with one of the toughest tasks in sports—will have it harder than ever next season, as FBS's postseason tournament expands from four to 12 teams.

Accordingly, the committee has added a veteran coach to its ranks.

Former Oregon State and Nebraska coach Mike Riley will serve among the CFP's selectors next season, the body announced Friday morning.

"We are pleased to have Mike join the committee," CFP executive director Bill Hancock said. "He has significant experience as a player and coach, and he loves college football. He will bring a unique perspective to the committee. Plus, he is a delightful human being."

Riley, 70, most recently served as the coach of the USFL's New Jersey Generals from 2022 to '23. A decorated college coach, he led the Beavers from 1997-98 and 2003 to '14 in two stints, followed by a three-year spell with the Cornhuskers from 2015 to '17.

The former San Diego Chargers boss's career win total of 112 ranks in the top 150 all-time, per College Football Reference's leaderboard. Four of his teams, all at Oregon State, finished in the AP top 25.

Riley is set to replace Pat Chun, who left Washington State to become Washington's athletic director in March.