By John Wawrow, AP Sports Writer
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Get ready for some full-time NFL officials to start throwing yellow flags next year.
Troy Vincent, the league’s vice president of football operations, told The Associated Press on Thursday that he expects the NFL to hire as many as 17 full-time officials this offseason.
The additions are allowed under the collective bargaining agreement and would increase the size of officiating crews from seven to eight, Vincent said during a visit to Buffalo.
“This is a topic of discussion daily,” he said, noting the league will need to consult with the NFL Referees Association.