According to NFL.com, all 17 NFL Referees will be returning for the 2016 season. Also, three new officials will be joining the NFL officiating this season, head linesman Jerod Phillips, who was in the Big 12, will be joined by another Big 12’er, side judge Alan Eck. The final official is umpire Ramon George, who was in Conference USA. Two former NFL players will also be working games this season. Phil McKinnely, who was an offensive lineman for seven seasons and Steve Freeman, who was a defensive back in theNFL for 13 seasons.
