SEC names David Cutcliffe to prominent position in Commissioner's office

Author:
James Parks
Publish date:
Mar 24, 2022 12:18 PM EDT

The SEC has named former coach David Cutcliffe as Special Assistant to the Commissioner for Football Relations, the conference announced.

"David Cutcliffe has earned tremendous respect across the college football community and he adds to the SEC office a valuable depth of knowledge and expertise in the game," SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said.

"David will add a new perspective to Conference football operations that will benefit our universities and their student-athletes as we look to the future."

David Cutcliffe's new SEC role

In his new role, Cutcliffe will advise the SEC and its Commissioner "for the purpose of enhancing the overall quality of football competition in the SEC in areas including game management, communications, playing rules, national policies, and scheduling best practices."

Cutcliffe's role with the SEC will include the following

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the SEC head football coaches and key constituencies for the purpose of advancing SEC football
Work with SEC staff to review, develop, and implement football competition policies
Identify policies for consideration by the SEC and/or NCAA to enhance and improve the overall quality of college football
Communicate regularly with SEC head football coaches on key issues

"I am thrilled to join the Southeastern Conference where I have spent much of my life," Cutcliffe said in a statement.

"It is rewarding to be joining an amazing team at the SEC Office led by Commissioner Sankey and his staff. I look forward to working with the coaches and administrators across the league to continue to further advance football in the SEC."

A respected, accomplished coach

Cutcliffe is a 40-year veteran of the college football coaching profession, including 20 seasons as head coach at Ole Miss and then Duke.

He was one of the most respected assistant coaches in the history of the modern game, serving Tennessee from 1982 to 1998 and again from 2006-07.

Cutcliffe established a reputation working as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at UT when Peyton Manning played for the university in the 90s, and was on staff when the Vols won their most recent national championship in 1998.

Cutcliffe also coached Eli Manning when both were at Ole Miss, leading the Rebels to their first 10-win season in 32 years. Cutcliffe was SEC Coach of the Year in 2003.