Former Pac-12 Officials Struggle to Find New Roles

Former Pac-12 officials are facing a tough time finding work this football season. The disbanding of the Pac-12 Conference has left them with uncertain futures. John Morton, a veteran Pac-12 official, spent 13 years on the field. Last season, knowing it was the league’s final one, was hard for him. Officials like Morton and his peers hoped things would stay the same, but that wasn’t possible.

“You knew that very well could be the last time you ever went to that stadium. You knew all these teams were going to be in other places next year. Officials were going to be in other conferences. It was unlike anything else. It definitely made for a much different season.”
Former Pac-12 official John Morton via CBS Sports

During the Pac-12’s last season, its 64 officials were divided into eight crews. As the conference dissolved, these officials had to find new roles. While CBS Sports found that 55 of the 64 officials have new jobs for 2024, only 32 were hired by major FBS leagues. Others found positions in smaller conferences, retired, or joined the NFL. However, many, like Morton, were left with a sense of loss and uncertainty.

Brad Glenn, another Pac-12 official, expressed how tough the transition was. He and others applied everywhere for new positions. While some officials were successful, like Morton, who joined the SEC, many were left hoping for opportunities. The Big Ten was particularly active, hiring 16 former Pac-12 officials since the end of the 2022 season.

“It hurts like hell, I’m not going to pull punches. Even if I was not picked up [by the Pac-12], it would hurt.”
Official Brad Glenn, who has stayed with the Pac-12 to officiate home games for Oregon State and Washington State.

For many officials, the change meant longer travel and starting over in new environments. Steve Strimling, for example, now travels from California to Illinois for his Big Ten job. This upheaval has been challenging, but some see it as a new beginning. Despite the difficulties, these officials continue to be dedicated to their profession, finding new ways to stay in the game they love.