ACC: Put playoff changes on hold

Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner Jim Phillips took the strongest public stance yet against expanding the College Football Playoff by the 2024 season, saying a new postseason format should not be a priority with so much uncertainty throughout college sports.

The NCAA is expected to ratify a new constitution at its convention next week, paving the way for decentralized governance of college sports and a transformation of Division I.

Phillips cited changes to D-I along with the continuing need for federal legislation regarding name, image and likeness compensation for athletes, the lingering ramifications of last year’s Supreme Court ruling that struck down the NCAA’s limits on athletes’ educational benefits and the possibility of athletes organizing.

Phillips said the ACC favored expansion only to eight teams.

By November, the conference had determined there was too much else going on in college sports to rush to expand football’s postseason, he said.

UH adds another transfer receiver

Former West Virginia wide receiver Sam Brown said Friday night he will transfer to the University of Houston, where he will have four years eligibility beginning this fall.

Brown, who is from Savannah, Ga., had 10 catches for 108 yards in nine career games for West Virginia.

Along with Brown, UH has added transfers Brice Johnson (Ole Miss) and Joseph Manjack IV (USC) this offseason.

Joseph Duarte

Iowa extends Ferentz to 2029

The nation’s longest-tenured FBS head coach plans to stick around a lot longer as Iowa on Friday announced it was extending Kirk Ferentz’s contract through the 2029 season.

The university said Ferentz, who led the Hawkeyes to a 10-4 record in his 23rd season, would be paid $7 million a year.

Kelly gets a new contract at UCLA

UCLA coach Chip Kelly agreed to a new four-year contract Friday after leading the Bruins to their best season since 2015.

UCLA went 8-4 and closed with three straight wins and earned their first bowl berth since 2017 but could not play in the Holiday Bowl because of COVID-19 protocols.

Graham resigns as Hawaii’s coach

Todd Graham resigned as the University of Hawaii’s football coach Friday, stepping down amid controversy after completing the second-year of a five-year contract.

Graham resigned a week after former players and some parents testified before a state legislative hearing, criticizing the coach’s management style and relationships with players. More than a dozen players have entered the transfer portal.

Graham gave up a $1,275,000 buyout by resigning. Assistant Jaocb Yoro will serve as interim coach while the school searches for a replacement.