SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey didn't hold back Monday when expressing his frustration with the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and its executive director, Craig Bohl. Speaking at the Associated Press Sports Editors Southeast Region meeting in Birmingham, Sankey made it clear he expected better communication—and got none.

"It's kind of disappointing. I had seen Craig Bohl a couple weeks ago. I know he has my cell phone number," Sankey said. "It would have been nice to have had a conversation about the rationale for their statement, and maybe the rationale for some of those decisions. That's a fair leadership expectation."

The AFCA recently issued a public memo supporting a 24-team College Football Playoff, among other controversial stances. But that wasn't all. The organization also called for the elimination of conference championship games, reducing bye weeks from two to one, and ending the season no later than the second Monday in January. While the AFCA didn't specify a number for playoff expansion, the 24-team figure has become the centerpiece of the conversation—and a major point of contention.

For context, the SEC has backed a 16-team playoff field. Meanwhile, ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, and Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua have reportedly sided with the 24-team format. But here's the catch: the SEC and Big Ten hold majority control over CFP decisions. The Big Ten's initial 24-team proposal last year included a mix of at-large bids and allocated spots for conferences—a plan Sankey was never a fan of.

This isn't just about playoff size. It's about respect, communication, and the delicate dance between college football's power brokers. For fans, it's a reminder that behind every bracket, every championship game, and every bye week, there's a tug-of-war between tradition, ambition, and influence. And sometimes, the biggest battles happen far from the field—in meeting rooms, public statements, and the occasional missed phone call.