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College Football Commissioner: Is one needed and who would be best?

By Michael Collins

Dec 6, 2015; Grapevine, TX, USA; The college football playoff selection committee deliberates on Selection Day at the Gaylord Texan Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Grapevine, TX, USA; The college football playoff selection committee deliberates on Selection Day at the Gaylord Texan Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 20, 2015; Pinehurst, NC, USA; ACC commissioner John Swofford speaks with the media during the ACC football kickoff at Pinehurst Resort. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2015; Pinehurst, NC, USA; ACC commissioner John Swofford speaks with the media during the ACC football kickoff at Pinehurst Resort. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: John Swofford – Commissioner, Atlantic Coast Conference

While other conference commissioners – Greg Sankey, Jim Delany, etc – might make bigger headlines and media splashes, Swofford has gone about his business of running the ACC quietly into the most successful period the conference has ever seen.

Since taking over as ACC commissioner in 1997 Swofford has seen the ACC’s annual revenue double, has served as Chairman of the Bowl Championship Series in 2000 and 2001, and oversaw conference expansion, adding such programs as Boston College, Virginia Tech, Miami, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Louisville, and Notre Dame (basketball).

ACC bias is not a term you hear thrown around, and Swofford does his job without bringing a lot of attention to himself. The ACC has become a legitimate player in college football under Swofford’s leadership and has shed the image of a “basketball only” conference.

Swofford is highly respected by his peers, and has the necessary tools and experience to do the job.

Next: Steve Hatchell

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