Mike McDaniel of the Dolphins, left, and Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers both have offensive backgrounds. (Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP) Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera fired defensive ...

And with clarity about the frontrunners and contenders in all nine conferences, it’s never too early to project post-spring what the College Football Playoff could look like next December.

SOUTH BEND— Backgrounds in sports other than football clearly impress the Notre Dame recruiting apparatus. In addition to established two-sport college athletes Drayk Bowen (linebacker/baseball ...