WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (AP) – The Pac-10 has hired the former head of officiating for the NFL to restructure its football officiating program.

Commissioner Larry Scott announced Friday that longtime coordinator of officials Dave Cutaia is stepping down and Mike Pereira will replace him on an interim basis.

Scott says it’s essential for the conference to improve its officiating. Pereira worked as a consultant for the conference this year and reviewed the officiating.

The conference will begin an immediate search for a permanent coordinator of officiating.

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