Blandino will also lead playing rules innovation as we learn more about the revamped football league

The XFL is making more moves and announcements as they have now rehired Dean Blandino to work as the Vice President of Officiating and playing rules innovation.

He was previously the XFL's officiating chief in 2020, this was shortly after his stint in the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019. Most know Blandino from his work in the NFL as the Senior Vice President of Officiating from 2013 to 2017.

With the XFL under new management via entrepreneur Dany Garcia, actor Dwayne Johnson, and RedBird Capital Partners, a new outlook on football is on the way.

XFL president Russ Brandon said: "We have the rare opportunity to develop new, innovative rules for this league and Dean's unique perspective and expert experience are integral to achieving that before we hit the field in 2023."

In 2020, the NFL attempted to bring Blandino back, but he decided to stay as an officiating consultant and a Fox Sports analyst instead. In February, the XFL announced it'd be working with the NFL in terms of rules, equipment, and player safety.

Blandino said in a statement: "Football is a dynamic and ever evolving sport with increasing global appeal. From my time in the NFL through to the XFL, my focus has always been on bringing forward ideas and structure that can continue to support the game we love and allow it to grow into the future."

He continued: "Football is my passion and it's an exciting time to be a part of the XFL as they build a dynamic game that will appeal to fans and players."