SJ Jimmy DeBell out of the NFL

Side judge Jimmy DeBell (number 58) will not officiate in the NFL in 2015. Matt Leader of The Livingston County News broke the news Friday.

“I can confirm that Jim DeBell is not part of the officiating staff for the 2015 season,” said NFL spokesman Michael Singora during a May 21 phone interview. “I can confirm that, but that’s all I know. That’s all I can confirm for you.

DeBell, who served as a side judge last year as part of Bill Vinovich’s officiating crew, has called a total of 95 games during his six years in the league, including three in the post-season.

Singora declined to comment on why DeBell would not be returning for a seventh season as an NFL official.

A source told Football Zebras that DeBell did not leave the league due to a performance issue, but due to an unspecified off-field issue.

(Football Zebras was contacted by the The Livingston County News about officials’ performance grades for their report.)

DeBell joined the NFL in 2008 and has officiated in three playoff games. He did not officiate a playoff game in 2014.

The NFL has not yet released the 2015 NFL officials’ roster.