News
Jerry McGinn retires from Big 10, joins ESPN as officiating analyst
Long-time Big 10 referee Jerry McGinn leaves the field for ESPN position.
Jerry McGinn, a referee in the Big 10 and Big East Conferences, has retired from the field and will join ESPN this season as an officiating rules analyst. He joins retired officials Bill Lemonnier and Matt Austin in that role.
McGinn joined the Big East as an official in 2002 and quickly worked his way up to the referee position. When the Big East’s future became tenuous, he joined the Big 10 as a referee.
Over the years, McGinn worked several bowl games, including the Sugar Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl. He has also worked several Philadelphia-area officiating clinics, passing along his knowledge to amateur officials.
One of McGinn’s trademarks was that he always took his finger whistle off, before making a penalty or replay announcement. His games always were under control and he made sure he and his crew were the calmest people in the entire stadium.
Off the field, McGinn worked several jobs in sales and development.
Congratulations to Jerry McGinn on his successful officiating career and best wishes to him in his new role with ESPN.
