Bob Delaney, the NBA's vice president for referee's development and performance, will no longer oversee the league's game officials.
The NBA has been pursuing a more data-driven and analytical management structure over referees, integrating more technology as part of its officiating program.
"When it comes to referee development and training, there is no finish line," Delaney said in a statement issued by the NBA. "There is, however, always a finish line for one's career. I was fortunate to work not only on the court as a referee, but also in the league office and as Director of Officials. Full of memories, pride and respect for the dedicated professionals who will continue to uphold the traditions of referee excellence which are in place and ever-advancing, I am now at that finish line. I will be relocating to the Atlanta area to begin my next chapter, and will continue to serve as an NBA consultant and NBA Cares Ambassador. It has been an honor to be a part of the NBA for the past three decades and leading the Officiating Staff has been the highlight of my NBA career."
Byron Spruell, who was hired as the NBA's president of league operations in 2016, has been working to reshape the administering, training and recruitment pools of the league's referees. He is directing the NBA's search for Delaney's replacement, which could include a retired referee in a high-ranking management role reporting to a new director, sources said.
The league will continue to use Delaney and other ex-referees in the teaching process with officials, sources said.
Delaney, 65, became well-known as an NBA referee for his background in undercover investigation of organized crime while he was a member of the New Jersey state police in the 1970s. He officiated in the NBA from 1987 to 2011, working 1,182 games, including 120 in the playoffs.
