John Parry, a former NFL official, is departing his role as an NFL rules analyst on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” for a new opportunity with the Buffalo Bills as an “officiating liaison,” according to The Post.
In a discussion with Football Zebras, Parry explained his decision to transition to a role within a team, noting, “Officials look at the game so differently than players, coaches, and fans.” He detailed the unique insights officials bring, such as understanding the mechanics behind calls and managing game situations like clock management and penalty repercussions.
This shift is part of a broader trend initiated by Mike Pereira, who moved from the NFL league office to Fox Sports in 2010. Since then, several networks have incorporated former officials into their broadcasts, including Fox with Dean Blandino, NBC and Amazon with Terry McAulay, and CBS with Gene Steratore.
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Sources indicate that Parry was well-regarded at ESPN and chose to leave on his own terms. ESPN is expected to fill his position by the start of the NFL season in September, although the network has not yet commented on his departure.
“There’s so much on the shoulders of coaches as it pertains specifically to replay because it’s grown so much and it is complicated. It’s hard to keep all of that data straight,” Parry explained, underscoring the complexity of modern NFL game management and the potential benefits of his role to the Bills.
Having served as an NFL official from 2000-18 and officiated in two Super Bowls, Parry brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of NFL officiating mechanics to his new role.
