Blandino: ‘nothing really new, we’ll strive for consistency’

Carl Johnson will return to the wings as a line judge for the 2013 season (image from NFL promotional video)

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network interviewed Dean Blandino, the new vice-president of officiating, on his plans for his first season in charge of the officiating department (video). Blandino is in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine, which includes activities for the NFL Officiating Academy.

He emphasized the importance that his entire officiating staff strives for consistency.

Blandino confirmed that his predecessor, Carl Johnson, will be a line judge as a full-time official. The plan is to add six other full-time officials, one for each of the positions.

Blandino also discussed the new college-official mentoring program for potential NFL recruits and promised increased transparency as one of his initiatives for the upcoming season. But otherwise, Blandino did not see any major changes in officiating this year.