Chambana Sun

Ohio University head coach Tim Albin, University of Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, University of Virginia head coach Tony Elliott, Marshall University head coach Charles Huff, Kansas State University head coach Chris Klieman, and University of Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables have been elected to the Board of Trustees of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). This announcement was made by AFCA executive director Craig Bohl.

Bohl stated, "The AFCA is excited about the addition of Tim Albin from Ohio University and Charles Huff from Marshall University as new Board of Trustees members from the MAC and Sun Belt." He further added that due to FBS conference expansion, additional board members for the Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, and SEC were included with "Illinois' Bret Bielema, Virginia's Tony Elliott, Kansas State's Chris Klieman and Oklahoma's Brent Venables."

These newly elected coaches will join a group responsible for formulating policy and guiding the AFCA. The association was founded in 1922 by Amos Alonzo Stagg, John Heisman, and others. The current board includes president Jeff McMartin from Central College and several vice-presidents including Bobby Hauck from the University of Montana.

In addition to these leaders, other notable members serving on the board in 2024 include Steve Ryan from Morningside University; James Franklin from Penn State University; Dave Clawson from Wake Forest University; Mike MacIntyre from Florida International University; Mike Babcock from McKendree University; Clark Lea from Vanderbilt University; Mike Bloomgren from Rice University; Jay Norvell from Colorado State University; Jason Simpson from the University of Tennessee at Martin; Alvin Parker from Virginia Union University; Randy Bates as an ex officio member and chairman of the Assistant Coaches Committee; Van Malone as an ex officio member and chairman of the Minority Advancement Committee; Michael Christensen as an ex officio member and chairman of the High School Committee; Scott Strohmeier as an ex officio member and Junior College representative. Craig Bohl serves as secretary-treasurer.

Tim Albin has achieved significant success at Ohio with consecutive 10-win seasons. Bret Bielema returns to the board after previously serving when he was at Arkansas. His coaching career includes achievements at Illinois with a strong record over 15 seasons.

Tony Elliott takes on his role at Virginia following a long tenure as an assistant at Clemson where he contributed to multiple national titles. Charles Huff has led Marshall to consistent bowl appearances since taking charge. Chris Klieman re-joins after previous service during his North Dakota State tenure. He now leads Kansas State with notable successes including a Big 12 title.

Brent Venables transitioned into his first head coaching role at Oklahoma after years as a defensive coordinator at Clemson where he helped secure national titles. His experience spans multiple roles starting back in Kansas State.

This collective experience aims to continue steering AFCA's mission effectively while addressing contemporary challenges within college football governance.