Northwestern's defense ranked 10th nationally in yards per play in 2020, when the Wildcats reached the Big Ten championship game, offsetting an offense that ranked 110th in the same category. This hire comes on the heels of the NFL announcing an officiating partnership with select college conferences to strengthen the officiating pipeline. Conference USA was not involved in the partnership, and the conference is not part of a multi-conference officiating consortium. On April 8, 2015, the NFL announced that Thomas would become the first permanent female official in NFL history. strives to develop a skilled roster of officials. What exactly was Kyle Shanahan doing? SEC coordinator of football officials Steve Shaw said Wednesday that he and commissioner Mike Slive share concerns about college football's controversial targeting penalties and will work this . Last year's group was one of just three nationally in allow 30 or more touchdowns and at least 8 yards per pass attempt. Conference USA announced the news today. Shaw, who currently serves the Southeastern Conference and Sun Belt Conference as coordinator of officials, will assume the national role in March 2020. It'll only be another 200 or so days until Michigan meets Ohio State, this time back in Ann Arbor. On Sunday, Thomas will be the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl. The league's training program for C-USA game officials, as outlined below, provides consistency with our mission and core values. Football Zebras has confirmed that former NFL referee Gerald Austin has left his post as coordinator of football officials for Conference USA. Allar will be the Nittany Lions' replacement for Sean Clifford after tossing four touchdowns in reserve duty as a freshman, even if James Franklin might not name an official starter until closer to the season opener. Conference Championship photo gallery, 2019 post-season, 4 officiating observations from Conference Championship Weekend, 2019 NFC Championship liveblog: Packers at 49ers, 5 observations from the divisional playoffs, 2019 post-season, Divisional playoffs 2019 post season photo album, 2019 NFC Divisional Playoffs liveblog: Seahawks at Packers, 2019 AFC Divisional Playoffs liveblog: Texans at Chiefs, 4 Wild Card observations, 2019 post-season, 2019 NFC Wild Card liveblog: Seahawks at Eagles, 2019 NFC Wild Card liveblog: Vikings at Saints, Special rules in place for the 2020 Pro Bowl, Craig Wrolstad is the referee for the 2020 Pro Bowl, 6 Super Bowl LIV officiating odds and ends. The Wolverines have won two in a row in the series, riding these wins to back-to-back Big Ten championships and College Football Playoff berths. %PDF-1.7 % Defee got a late start in officiating, starting in 1995 at the age of 33, working high school football in Texas. I feel like she has the ability and courage to make a call, and the guts to not make one, too. Minnesota also brings back Daniel Jackson after his strong close to 2022, which included 159 receiving yards and three touchdowns in wins against Wisconsin and Syracuse to end the season. But the losses in the secondary may be hard to overcome. Or can Ohio State rebound without star quarterback C.J. The conference posted the job opening to their website today. Second round draft pick Tuli Tuipulotu speaks to the media at his introductory press conference after being selected by the Chargers at pick 54 in the 2023 NFL Draft. 12/20/2019 4:31:41 PM. Power rankings and the biggest questions for SEC teams. Once the game started, she was just doing the job that the line judge does in every game we play. After being looked at for a brief concussion protocol, Thomas returned and finished the game with the broken wrist. The conference has already begun its search for a new coordinator of football officials. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Supervisor of Football Officials: Mike Eades: Coordinator of Men's Basketball Officiating: Debbie Williamson: Coordinator of Women's Basketball Officiating: Footer You do not have JavaScript Enabled on this browser. Austin will continue to work with the conference in a different role, according to information the late Russ Anderson, an assistant commissioner, told Football Zebras in February. "[12], During the 2009 season, Thomas was one of five female officials in major college football and the only one at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. The Owls shot a 22-over par 310 to sit in eighth-place. His care for the sport and how it is played will be critical moving forward, said Jon Steinbrecher, chair of the College Football Officiating board of managers and commissioner of the Mid-American Conference. Senior Forrest Park leads the Owls in a tie for 26 th -place at four-over par after carding a 76. [5] In her three seasons on the basketball team, Thomas amassed 779 points, 441 rebounds, 108 assists, and 192 steals. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of an NCAA Division III athletic program. Our mission is to be a premier football officiating Conference in Division I by providing exceptional training, demonstrating outstanding rules knowledge, conducting ourselves with integrity, displaying the highest degree of professionalism and promoting exemplary sportsmanship. Austin was impressed with her skills and hired her for the Conference USA staff. Thomas has officiated United Football League games, and in 2010 worked the league championship game. That's the magic number for offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, at least, after he agreed to a reworked contract that requires a minimum of 25 points per game in 2023. He worked his way up through the college ranks, joining the Big 12 conference in 2006 as a back judge and became a Big 12 referee in 2010. Fans of the SEC and Sun Belt will have a new name to curse at over blown calls this fall. Putting a bug in their ear? 101 0 obj <> endobj McDaid, a 1987 Harvard University graduate, replaces Steve Shaw who served as the SEC's football officiating coordinator since 2011. The season started on August 28, 2021 and ended on December 23, 2021. . Comprised of eight individuals on the field and two replay officials in the booth, football officials carry the responsibility of enforcing the rules and maintaining order of the competition. The conference announced today the hiring of Greg Burks as the Big 12 Coordinator of Football Officials. Thomas worked New Orleans Saints scrimmages,[16] and was part of the NFL officiating development program, spending three days at the Indianapolis Colts minicamp. [5] In 2007, Thomas became the first woman to officiate a major college football game, working a game between Memphis and Jacksonville State. Clear All Filters. The league, Stay Connected provide growing opportunities for officials to stay engaged and communicate so that improved performance can be the result, Dependable say what we mean and mean what we say, Believable be consistent with our message, Increase collaboration process with officials and encourage dialogue, Reinforce the Positives to repeat successes, Instruct on How to correct the Negatives to avoid repeats, Provide more information to Trainers so they know the Why and How, More timely access to video resources with simpler platforms, Provide much more instructional content, easier to use, Think outside the traditional box, bring in other types of resources/people. While Conference USA is committed to building the next generation of college programs, the league is also invested in recruiting and developing people to become league officials. SAN FRANCISCO - The Pac-12 Conference has hired David Coleman to lead a new model for its officiating programs, the Conference announced today. The annual game of the year in the Big Ten has become even more impossible to miss given the stakes at play following Michigan's revival under coach Jim Harbaugh. Mike Defee, a former Big 12 referee and current referee trainer for the NFL, is the new coordinator of football officials for Conference USA. Working the official? SEC. [12] Before that game, Austin said, "She came highly recommended by two NFL scouts. There's more to like from the Wildcats' defense heading into this season but continued concerns over an offense that brings back only a handful of starters and loses one of the nation's best players in left tackle Peter Skoronski. [15] The 6-foot-8, 320-pound senior followed Sean Lewis from Kent State, where Lewis left his head coaching job to become Colorado's offensive coordinator. He represents the possible missing piece for an offense and broader program that has made multiple runs at the playoff but been edged out by Ohio State and Michigan. Defee is a highly decorated official who brings 19 years of field experience as a collegiate official to C-USA, and since 2020, he has been involved with the National Football League. John is a superb choice for this important position and will do a great job. But will there even be a blending of styles, or will Wisconsin run an undiluted version of Longo's scheme? Thomas, who had gotten her start in Conference USA, knew the league was looking for more female officials. hb```),Q eaxp:8:4:"H@ 5t/s&fQfIf/ff1Jf_X H9l L The Big 12 has a new head of football officials. (This is especially true if Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Sims is the starting quarterback.) Can they put the pieces together in the secondary? Shaw leaves the SEC after nine years and will continue to be the Secretary-Rules Editor for the NCAA Football Rules Committee. Health and Safety/Sport Science Institute, Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete, Former Pro Bowl safety Darrell Stuckey helping college players prepare for whats next, DIII Presidents Council approves Enrichment Fund review process, DII Presidents Council endorses process to add independent members, DI Infractions Appeals Committee upholds finding for former LSU football assistant coach, DI Board of Directors increases benefits for college athletes. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Head coach Robert Saleh speaks with reporters at the NFL Annual League Meeting to provide an update on the . Early feedback this spring has been positively glowing: Card has been singled out by teammates for his production, command and leadership qualities during the transition to a new staff. SEC Football Officials are dedicated to their work and approach each game with integrity and focus on fairly administering the competition. She worked her first varsity high school game in 1999. SPRING STOCK:Power rankings and the biggest questions for SEC teams. [7] This ranks her fifth in the schools history. Click here for the C-USA Officiating Application form. The 2021 Conference USA football season was the 26th season of college football play for Conference USA (C-USA). 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. We are grateful for Steves lengthy service to the SEC and are confident he will provide outstanding leadership to college football in the years ahead., Sun Belt Commissioner Keith Gill said, We are grateful to Steve for his hard work and dedication in developing our Sun Belt football officiating program to be one of the best in college football. [11] At the end of the season, she was selected to work the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl between Marshall and Ohio, making her the first woman to officiate a bowl game. McDaid has served as a referee in the Southeastern Conference since 2015, joining the SEC after two years in the same position with the American Athletic Conference. Steve stands out as a leader in college football officiating. Commitment to student-athletes and their academic success, as well as athletic . Under a cooperative agreement between the two conferences, McDaid will also serve as Coordinator of Football Officials for the Sun Belt Conference. The following is a list of the television networks and announcers who have broadcast the college football's Conference USA Championship Game throughout the years. This year's offensive line could have three Power Five transfers in the starting lineup. - Johnny Grier, the NFL's first African-American to work in the referee position, back judge in Super Bowl XXII and former Supervisor of Football Officials for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), "The characteristics you want in an official are to be objective and fair, and for a coordinator you want consistency, honesty and openness. 147 0 obj <>stream *e[*7S-{Jez&d_&DevuI-OQV&yR1*v#8p&_hCV:NQ"u(oyv%^ak#1aU|e,yY=8.i]cROJyA6ca o],d|%kWr! We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you're here. McDaid, a 1987 Harvard University graduate, replaces Steve Shaw who served as the SEC's . After making 17 interceptions to spark a memorable 2020 season, Indiana has given up a combined 54 touchdowns against just 12 picks the past two years. [18], On December 24, 2016, Thomas broke her wrist in a mid-game collision on the sideline of a Vikings-Packers game. CONFERENCE USA COORDINATOR OF FOOTBALL OFFICIALS DESCRIPTION Conference USA is looking for a qualified and energetic individual who will serve as a Coordinator of Football Officials. the NFL announcing an officiating partnership with select college conferences to strengthen the officiating pipeline. Im confident that Steve will move the national officiating program forward and continue to improve our game.. Sarah Thomas (American football official), "SPORTS VICTORIESSarah Thomas: Believer, Wife, Mom, and NCAA Football Official", "NFL: Pascagoula native Sarah Bailey Thomas not among 12 new officials hired for 2014", "NFL history was made Saturday night, and Pascagoula's Sarah Thomas was part of it", "Earning Her Stripes in College Football", "Pascagoula Woman Seeks Title of First Permanent Female NFL Official", "Meet Sarah Thomas, NFL's first female official", "Is Sarah Thomas Married? In his officiating days, he used "Coach" during the game. I am grateful for my experience in the Southeastern Conference, both on the field as an active official and as coordinator of officials, and thankful for the relationships I developed in theSEC and Sun Belt.. SURPRISE STORIES:Who can mimicTCU's run to College Football Playoff? To be selected a consensus All-American, players must be chosen to the first team on at least half of the five official selectors as recognized . He is also one of the finest gentlemen one could ever meet. Shaw excelled as a head referee for 15 years in the Southeastern Conference, earning 14 postseason assignments, including two national championship games. Who can mimicTCU's run to College Football Playoff? Greg Nosal and Max Warner serve as co-offensive coordinators on Bowling Green's staff. Watch the introductory press conference with the new Jets QB. He was assigned to FCS Playoff games from 2002 and 2011, including the 2011 FCS National Championship Game. It'll only be another 200 or so days until Michigan meets Ohio State, this time back in Ann Arbor. [5][11], In 2006, Gerry Austin, Conference USA's coordinator of officials who also refereed Super Bowls XXXI and XXXV, invited her to an officials' camp, due to Thomas proving her dedication and skills in the advancement of the industry. Coordinator of Football Officials in , for Big Sky Conference. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); There's similar optimism at running back and linebacker, where Mohamed Toure and Moses Walker return from injury. Sarah Thomas, who earlier this year became the first full-time female official in NFL history, worked for Conference USA and was an official for the Rice-Northwestern game in 2011. In January 2021, she became the first woman to earn an on-field assignment for an NFL playoff game. National Football League. (Photo: USA TODAY Sports) Big Ten Coordinator of Football Officials, Bill Carollo, said at the conference's Media Day gathering on Friday in Chicago that the league is hoping to diversify its . Defee replaces Gerald Austin. BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (February 3, 2020) - John McDaid, a veteran of football officiating for more than three decades including 24 years on the collegiate level, and a referee in three conferences since 2006, has been named SEC Coordinator of Football Officials, Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Monday. He is a good listener and his work ethic speaks volumes." [5] She attended the University of Mobile on a basketball scholarship and was an academic all-American. The Coordinator shall, at all times, act as an independent contractor to the Conference. Thomas was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi. This position will be responsible for all components of the football officiating program for the Big Sky Conference, an NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) league. On Sunday, Thomas will be the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl. The official athletics website for Big Ten Conference The official staff directory for Big Ten Conference Staff Directory - Big Ten Conference Skip To Main Content Big Ten Conference Main Navigation Menu Toggle Calendar Overlay Big 10 Schedule results events Staff Directory Print Staff Directory Footer Burks previously held the same position in the Mountain West Conference. Shaw also serves as the secretary-rules editor of the NCAA Football Rules Committee, a position critical to the development of competition rules and policies. [9] Thomas lives in Brandon, Mississippi. Austin did not respond to our request for comment before publishing. With spring football almost complete, here's how the Big Ten stacks up with one lingering question for each team: The Wolverines hit a home run last season with the addition of Virginia transfer Olusegun Oluwatimi, one of the nation's top centers as a junior and senior. Steves passion for the game is unquestioned, and we look forward to continuing to support our shared vision to enhance football officiating on the national level.. Ken Talley is eligible after redshirting last season following his transfer from Penn State. Throwback to the 1992 playoffs: Referee Dale Hamer roughed up and gained respect from John Madden, Rules proposal extends low block fouls to scrimmage downs (yes, more penalties), Blandino at officiating clinic: catch is the same rule, same outcome, Banks Williams, Super Bowl XXV official, has passed away, Pac-12 football officiating is in crisis again after a mass exodus of referees, NFL has recovered from their perfect storm of referee departures, 2017-18 bowl officiating assignments by conference, Special rules in place for the 2022 Pro Bowl, 6 officiating observations of Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LIV liveblog: 49ers vs. Chiefs. Search Browse Explore Map Your Job Alerts Your Saved Jobs. RELEASE | bit.ly/3duAFv6 In 2013, Thomas became one of 21 finalists in contention for a permanent NFL officiating position. - Mike Aresco, American Athletic Conference Commissioner, "I worked with John early in his career and recognized his leadership qualities very early on. Putting a bug in their ear? One contender to replace Ruggles has already transferred in Jake Seibert, leaving two options heading into the summer:Parker Lewis, a former Southern California transfer, and walk-onJayden Fielding. How deep is the rotation at running back? "[13], On November 12, 2011, Thomas became the first woman to officiate in a Big Ten stadium, working as a line judge when Northwestern hosted Rice. -Gene Steratore, former NFL official and current rules analyst for CBS Sports, "John has been a highly successful and respected official going back to his days in the old Big East. Coleman . _74A4xoIh|svxS0W-"pVVOWBea? #WiQBaZU+@KUYjk`yksJ:iO#TT#>,6@`R>xUq0GpO{,,%%r4\=CnfC!0+y(uAx` ?tu.Cd1]J"+w/\T?/7=p=C]sK5p /qP{GZ&t7>/]J%`soS 4 Year Degree. The defense plummeted to 106th nationally in 2021 but rebounded to 68th last season. Apr 29, 2015. [19], In 2017, Thomas moved to the down judge position. For more information, click here. Burks, the Big 12 coordinator of officials, did not return messages left at the conference office. hm8_:lT6Rwu+!^ E"|$Ds:"bg#pP-X "(5(Cc_%*%v_r5zJxW yjlDebxD(1*M The Rice Golf team finished the first round of the Conference USA Championship at Texarkana, Ark. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Illinois Tech, an NCAA Division III program located in Chicago, is actively searching for a Head Coach Men's & Women's Swimming and Diving. Supervisor of Officials, C-USA: Spouse: Married: Children: 6: Gerald Austin (born December 4, 1941) is a former American football official, who worked in the National Football League (NFL) from the 1982 season through the 2007 season. he is the coordinator of football officials for Conference USA. He has done a terrific job for the SEC on the field and was an outstanding official in the Big East and then in the American. [20], Thomas is the first woman to earn an on-field assignment for an NFL playoff game. To cite one position, Greg Schiano now believes Rutgers has the depth on the offensive line to run the ball more consistently in conference play; last season, the Scarlet Knights ran for 682 yards on 4.9 yards per carry against non-conference competition and 856 yards on 2.9 yards per carry against the Big Ten. In 2006, Gerry Austin, Conference USA 's coordinator of officials who also refereed Super Bowls XXXI and XXXV, invited her to an officials' camp, due to Thomas proving her dedication and skills in the advancement of the industry.