Dean Blandino | |
|---|---|
 Blandino in 2019 | |
| Born | (1971-09-13)September 13, 1971 (age 53) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Hofstra University[1] |
| Occupation(s) | UFL Head of Officiating Fox Sports NFL Rules Analyst |
| Known for | NFL Vice President of Officiating (2013–2017) |
Dean Blandino (born September 13, 1971) is arules analyst forFox Sports. He also serves as the head of officiating for theUFL. He previously served as the NFL's Vice President of Officiating from 2013 to 2017.
Blandino grew up inBellmore, New York, where he playedtight end on the high school football team atWellington C. Mepham High School.[1] He majored in communications atHofstra University,[1] graduating in 1993.[2]
Blandino was hired byJerry Seeman, starting as an intern in the NFL's officiating department,[1] and became a full-time employee after the 1994 season.[2] Seeman assigned Blandino to organizeinstant replay when it was introduced in the NFL in 1999; Blandino managed the program for six years, and served as replay official for twoSuper Bowls.[1] Blandino left the NFL in 2009, and started a business in California to train and evaluate replay officials.[1]
Blandino returned to the NFL in 2012 as director of officiating, and in February 2013 was named Vice President of Officiating, succeeding Carl Johnson, who had held the position for three seasons as successor toMike Pereira.[2] In August 2014, Blandino was criticized for being seen on a "party bus" withDallas Cowboys executives in a video released byTMZ.[3][4] Blandino left the NFL in May 2017.[5][6]
Blandino joinedFox Sports in June 2017 as arules analyst for the network'sNFL andcollege football coverage.[7] In May 2018, Blandino took on an additional role, as director ofinstant replay forNCAA football; the role has an offseason focus, to allow him to continue broadcasting.[8] Blandino was also an officiating consultant for theAlliance of American Football,[9] and is a contributor toThe Athletic.[10] He was theexecutive producer ofHer Turf, a 2018 documentary about three femalefootball referees.[11][12]
On January 6, 2020, Blandino was hired by theXFL to be the league’s head of officiating.[13]
Blandino is divorced,[14] with two children.[1][15] At some point around 2005, he didstand-up comedy in several comedy clubs inNew York City.[1]