The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) is making a bold push to reshape the college football calendar, proposing a series of changes aimed at wrapping up the College Football Playoff by the second Monday of each January. While the AFCA's recommendations are non-binding and carry no official weight within the NCAA or CFP governance structures, the group's influence is undeniable—its board and membership include FBS coaches who are directly shaping the game.

Announced Tuesday after being discussed and adopted at last week's annual meeting, the AFCA's proposals target the growing concern over the length of the college football season. "The American Football Coaches Association has identified the length of the college football season as a critical issue that needs to be addressed," the group stated. "As we modernize our game to better serve student-athletes, we have fallen short in structuring a season that concludes in a timely and sustainable way."

At the heart of the proposal is the elimination of conference championship games, a move that would fundamentally alter the postseason landscape. The AFCA also suggests reducing bye weeks from two to one and setting a minimum of six days between games. These changes, the group argues, would help the season finish by the second Monday in January—a timeline that would better align with academic calendars and simplify the transfer portal window.

While the AFCA didn't explicitly endorse a specific playoff field size—currently set at 12 teams and expected to expand—it emphasized that "future playoff models should maximize the number of participants while honoring the proposed completion date." That balance between inclusivity and efficiency is key to their vision.

The proposals also carve out a dedicated window for the Army-Navy game, a cherished tradition, while allowing flexibility for other games—including playoff matchups—to be played on the same day outside that window. "Structuring the season in this way will better support student-athletes by more closely matching the academic calendar and aligning with the single transfer portal window," the AFCA said. "It also elevates the quality of play during the most meaningful stretch of the season by removing unnecessary breaks and preserving competitive rhythm."

This push comes on the heels of an NCAA committee recommendation last month for FBS teams to play a 12-game schedule over 14 weeks starting in 2027. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, the AFCA's voice—though advisory—adds significant momentum to the conversation about how to keep the sport sustainable, competitive, and fan-friendly.