Commissioner Scott expresses appreciation for Corrente’s work in strengthening officiating program

SAN FRANCISCO – Tony Corrente, Pac-12 Coordinator of Football Officiating, resigned Tuesday citing personal and professional reasons, and Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott has appointed Jim Blackwood as interim coordinator, the Conference said today.

Blackwood's officiating career includes more than two decades as a college conference coordinator and 10 years as an NFL instant replay official. He was previously serving as the Instant Replay Supervisor under Corrente. Blackwood will work closely with Pac-12 Command Center Supervisor Rich Rose and the seven other position Supervisors and report to Pac-12 head of football Woodie Dixon.

Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott expressed his appreciation for Corrente’s service to the Conference. “Under Tony’s leadership, our program made great strides in improving the quality, accountability and consistency. While it’s unfortunate that Tony has decided to leave us at this time, I want to express my appreciation for his contribution, and for leaving our officiating program strong and headed in the right direction.”

Blackwood will serve as interim coordinator for the remainder of the season and the Pac-12 will begin a search for a permanent replacement after the season.

About Jim Blackwood

Blackwood’s career as a coordinator of football officials spans more than two decades. After 14 years as a referee in the Southland Conference, he became that conference’s coordinator of football officials from 1989 to 1999, when he was named the coordinator for the Western Athletic Conference, from which he retired in 2012. Jim also was the executive director of the Texas Association of Sports Officials from 1992 until 2001. In addition he served as an instant replay official for the National Football League from 1999 until 2008. He has been a mentor to countless officials over the years, and was a pioneer in the use of video to train, educate and evaluate officials and to provide a safer environment for athletes.