Gary Patterson is the new Atlantic Coast Conference Supervisor of Football Officials

The Atlantic Coast Conference has hired Gary Patterson as the new supervisor of football officials. Patterson replaces Al Riveron, who held the post for four years.

Patterson will oversee all aspects of recruiting, evaluating, scheduling, and professional development. In a news release, he commented, “It is truly an honor to serve a conference that has meant so much to me throughout my career. I look forward to working with our outstanding officials, coaches and administrators to continue elevating the quality, consistency and integrity of ACC officiating.”

A long and successful career

Patterson joined the ACC in 2002 and worked as an official through the 2025 season. He donned the white hat as a referee in 2009. He worked the 2009 national championship game, four ACC conference championships, the 2006 Army-Navy Game, and eight other bowl games. He also worked in NFL Europe in the 2005 and 2006 seasons.

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Replay controversy ends career

In the middle of the 2025 season, Patterson resigned his post as ACC referee effective immediately.

During a game between UCONN and Syracuse, Patterson had to rule pass/fumble during a hit to the quarterback on first down. The second down play went off, but replay buzzed in and wanted to look at the play. After review, the replay official upheld Patterson’s ruling, and later explained that Patterson “had not heard” the replay buzz. Replay ruled that the second down play as “no play” and the teams replayed second down (video).

Patterson reportedly resigned since the centralized replay center made him stop the game after the second down play snapped. By rule that’s too late for a stoppage, but the ACC laid the blame at Patterson’s feet.

Resignation to boss in less than a year

Al Riveron was Patterson’s boss when he resigned. Just last week, Riveron announced his departure, and now Patterson replaced Riveron.

While this sequence of resignation/departure/hire will get many tongues wagging, these are simply the facts and no one has commented on the circumstances surrounding ACC officiating leadership in the past year.

Congratulations to Patterson and best wishes in his new officiating job.

(Cover photo: Geoff Burke/USA Today)