NFL Advances Replacement Referee Hiring Process

The National Football League has advanced its preparations to hire replacement referees, informing teams through an internal memo that several candidates have completed background checks and are scheduled for physical examinations soon, as contract negotiations with the union remain stalled ahead of a May 31 expiration.

In the memo sent Wednesday to head coaches and general managers, NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Perry Fewell outlined the next steps in the onboarding process. Candidates, drawn primarily from NCAA divisions, will proceed to virtual and in-person training sessions with league supervisors as early as May 1. Fewell stated that the league remains committed to reaching a fair agreement with the NFL Referees Association but is taking precautions in case the current collective bargaining agreement lapses. Teams were told to anticipate further details on the replacements' availability for offseason organized team activities and minicamps, which begin in June.

The moves come after nearly a year of negotiations that began in the summer of 2024. Two people familiar with the discussions, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the talks...