The NFL is set to undergo a significant change in its officiating department with the impending departure of Walt Anderson from his role as senior vice president of officiating.
Anderson is expected to step down from his position effective May 1. While details of Anderson’s future role within the officiating department are still being finalized, he is anticipated to continue overseeing replay operations.
Report: Walt Anderson stepping down as NFL senior V.P. of officiating. https://t.co/9qTnpEN1OC
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) April 18, 2024
Anderson’s decision marks the end of a distinguished 24-year career as an NFL official, during which he spent 17 seasons as a referee before transitioning to a leadership role after the 2019 season.
Initially hired as the league’s senior vice president of officiating development under the leadership of Al Riveron and Perry Fewell, Anderson played a crucial role in shaping and refining officiating standards within the NFL.
With Anderson’s departure, the NFL faces the task of appointing its sixth primary head of officiating since 2010. The officiating department has seen a succession of leaders in recent years, with no individual holding the position for more than four years since Art McNally’s tenure from 1968 to 1990.
One potential consequence of Anderson’s exit is the potential advancement of his son, Derek Anderson, who currently serves as a referee in the Big 12 conference.
The NFL reportedly previously disallowed Derek Anderson’s transition to an on-field official last offseason due to restrictions from the league’s human resources office.
However, with Walt Anderson’s impending departure, the path may now be clear for Derek Anderson to join the NFL officiating ranks.
