Why did Walt Anderson step down as NFL's senior VP of officiating?

Walt Anderson is stepping down from his role as NFL's senior vice-president of officiating. The former NFL referee, who was promoted to this role after retiring from on-field assignments in 2019, leaves the job with no clear successor in place.

That begs the question of why Walt Anderson stepped down at this particular time. And much of it comes down to his son Derek Anderson. As reported by the Football Zebras, the Big 12 referee is in line to be hired by the NFL and was the top-ranked recruit in 2023. But he could not join because human resources ruled that he could not report to his own father.

That is why Walt Anderson needs to step out to clear a path for him. Since this is, in effect, an enforced change, it is expected that Walt Anderson will remain in the officiating department in some capacity, with replays being a potential option.

Walt Anderson's family involved deeply in the world of football officiating

Walt Anderson's move comes due to his son, Derek Anderson, reportedly joining the NFL from Big 12. The younger Anderson has also officiated in USFL games, showing a breadth of experience before reaching the top rungs of professional football.

Walt Anderson is also married to Afshan, who is a dentist by profession. The former NFL referee also graduated from UTHealth School of Dentistry before joining the world of football officiating. Her son, Sean Massingill, is also a football referee and has been part of the FCS Championship games in college football.

Who will replace Walt Anderson when he leaves?

Walter Anderson's replacement is yet to be decided by it is likely they will promote someone internally. There's Bill Vinovich, who refereed the most recent Super Bowl and has experience of three editions of the NFL's top game. Some have even suggested Dean Blandino, who was earlier in the league's office for officiating but has since joined the field of television with FOX.

If the NFL looks outside their current base, they can look at Steve Strimling, who is the officiating coordinator for the UFL. Football Zebra also identifies former umpire Garth DeFelice as the potential frontrunner for the position. He retired in 2013 and has experience worth 16 years in the NFL, including the Super Bowl. If he were to take up the position, he would be 70 at the time of beginning the job and is not expected to be a long-term hire as the head.