COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Mike Defee has been named coordinator of football officials for the Mountain West, as announced today by MW Commissioner Gloria Nevarez.
Defee will bring 19 years of on-field collegiate experience to the coordinator position. His accomplishments include four Big 12 championship games, eight bowl games, one College Football Playoff semifinal and serving as the referee for the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Alabama and Clemson. He was also the alternate referee for both the 2015 College Football Playoff and 2012 BCS National Championship games.
“Mike is highly respected in college football and brings a great deal of professionalism and dedication to the sport, as well as a demonstrated track record that made him stand out during an extensive, national search,” said Nevarez. “We are pleased to welcome Mike to the Mountain West and are confident he will make significant contributions to the student-athlete experience in Mountain West football.”
Defee’s collegiate officiating experience began in 2001 with the Southland Conference as a back judge for four seasons and a referee for one. He joined CFO West in 2006, spending the first four years as a back judge, before becoming a referee for 10 seasons.
The native of Beaumont, Texas, joined the NFL in 2020 as a coach/trainer, helping referees on development, leadership and game management.
“I’m excited to be working again with the Mountain West Conference,” said Defee. “My mission is excellence in officiating. We are committed to elevating this program through training, development and evaluation. We will be open, honest and transparent in everything we do.”
