SEC names Bell new coordinator of officials

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) The Southeastern Conference has hired Dr. Robert "Jake" Bell as coordinator of men's basketball officials.

Commissioner Mike Slive announced the hiring of the veteran college basketball official and conference coordinator on Monday.

A longtime SEC official, Bell has officiated in several conference tournaments, the NCAA tournament and the NIT. He had served as coordinator of basketball officials for the Atlantic Sun Conference starting in 2006 and held that role in the Southern Atlantic Association last year.

He also worked as the coordinator of men's basketball officials for the Mid-South Conference from 1996-2000 and called this job "a dream opportunity for me."

Slive says Bell's hiring received support from each of the conference's 14 athletic directors and men's basketball coaches.

Bell replaces Gerald Boudreaux, whose contract was not renewed.

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