The college football coaches' poll, carried by United Press International since 1950, will now be distributed by USA Today. The decision was announced Sunday by the American Football Coaches Association, which said that USA Today would carry the Top 25 poll for the next five years. The poll will be called the USA Today Top 25 coaches' poll.
In ending the 42-year relationship with UPI, AFCA executive director Charlie McClendon said, "We felt it was in the best interests of the AFCA to make this change. We wish UPI the best."UPI, meanwhile, said Sunday it still planned to carry a Top 25 poll this season, but had yet to determine a format.
"Our discussions with USA Today have convinced us that their state-of-the-art technology, their contacts with other media outlets, including television, and their ideas about marketing and promotions will provide tremendous visibility for the poll," McClendon said.