The Impact of Conference Realignment on Pac-12 Officials: Exploring Hopes and Challenges Amidst Pursuit of Fresh Opportunities

Sports | July 5, 2024, 4:06 p.m.

Last year, as the Pac-12 conference faced dissolution, long-time official John Morton experienced overwhelming sentimentality and a sense of loss. He and his colleagues felt emotionally attached as they approached their final season in the league. With Pac-12 disbandment, 64 officials were scattered across different conferences, with only a few staying with the league. Despite the transition, most officials managed to secure officiating positions in other FBS leagues, especially the Power Four. The Big Ten welcomed many former Pac-12 officials, emphasizing diversity in hiring. Amidst uncertainty and change, officiating careers hang in the balance, with personal stories highlighting the challenges officials face with job insecurity and relocation. The end of the Pac-12 marks a significant shift in college football officiating, forcing officials to adapt, sacrifice, and hope for stability in their evolving careers.