​CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Atlantic Coast Conference has appointed Gary Patterson to be the supervisor of football officials. The league announced the hire Monday following Al Riveron’s decision to step down last week, marking a return for the veteran official to the ACC. Patterson previously spent many years as an ACC on-field official beginning in 2002 and served as a referee starting in 2009 before resigning last September. ESPN reported at the time that his departure stemmed from frustration with the handling of a UConn-Syracuse replay review, which included a delayed review after the snap for the following play.
Patterson brings a long history of high-profile assignments, including working the 2009 BCS championship game, the Army–Navy game in 2006, four ACC title games, and numerous bowl games. His officiating career began in 1994, and he now returns to the league in a leadership capacity overseeing the comprehensive operations of officials within the ACC.
In his new role, Patterson will manage recruiting, training, evaluation, and scheduling of conference officials. The ACC indicated that he will collaborate with ESPN to build on last year’s initiative allowing viewers to listen in on live replay reviews during select broadcasts, a feature aimed at increasing transparency and engagement for fans.
Commissioner Jim Phillips expressed confidence in Patterson, stating that he “has earned the trust and respect of coaches and his officiating colleagues.” Patterson himself described the appointment as “an honor to serve a conference that has meant so much to me throughout my career.”
The ACC’s move to bring Patterson back into a leadership role underscores the league’s commitment to the consistency and quality of officiating across its football programs. For ongoing updates and coverage of college football, the AP’s college football hub continues to be a resource, including top-25 rankings and broader college football news.