CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Following a distinguished football officiating career that spanned more than 30 years as both an on-field official and an officiating administrator in the ACC, NCAA and NFL, Al Riveron announced he is stepping down ahead of the 2026 college football season. 

“Al has had a remarkable impact on ACC Football through his leadership and unwavering commitment to officiating excellence,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. “His transparency and collaborative approach have elevated our program, and we are incredibly grateful for all he has done for the ACC and college football. We wish Al and his family all the best as he embarks on this next chapter.” 

"It has been an honor to serve as the ACC’s Supervisor of Football Officials and I am appreciative of the support from Commissioner Phillips and the entire league,” stated Riveron. “Officiating is built on integrity, preparation and teamwork, and I have been fortunate to work alongside some of the most dedicated professionals in the game." 

Riveron was named the ACC’s Supervisor of Football Officials in November 2022. Prior to his ACC arrival, he worked as an NFL Rules analyst and was the NFL’s Senior Vice President of Officiating from 2017-20. 

As NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating, Riveron managed a staff of approximately 250 individuals. He was responsible for maintaining communication with coaches, media partners, and club executives year-round, and assigned officiating crews to all NFL contests, including postseason games. During the season, he directed and supervised Art McNally Game Day Central, the league’s officiating headquarters in the New York office. Riveron oversaw an officiating development program with a focus on creating opportunities for minority candidates. 

Riveron spent nine seasons as an on-field NFL official from 2004-2012 (side judge from 2004-07 and referee from 2008-12), becoming the first official of Hispanic origin in NFL history. In 2013, he was promoted to NFL Senior Director of Officiating, a newly created position as second-in-command of the league’s officiating staff, and was elevated to Senior Vice President of Officiating in 2017. Prior to his time with the NFL, Riveron was a collegiate official from 1990-2004 in Conference USA and the Big East. He also previously served as the Greater Miami Athletic Conference Supervisor of Officials. In addition to his officiating assignments, Riveron worked in sales in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami area from 1991-2013. 

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Riveron moved to the United States from Cuba when he was 5 years old.  

The national search for the next ACC Supervisor of Football Officials is underway.