The Pac-12 will "enhance" its broadcasts by increasing access to players and coaches during games, the conference announced Thursday.
The Big 12 introduced a similar plan earlier this month. Other conferences are expected to follow suit.
The change will require coaches to conduct in-game interviews while also micing up players and coaches for select games, providing increased access to the locker room pre-game and at halftime, and putting a non-miced camera in the coaches booth.
The new initiative will apply to all Pac-12 games, aired on ESPN, Fox or Pac-12 Network.
“The Pac-12 is committed to delivering unprecedented access and entertainment to our fans throughout our football broadcasts, and to working with our media partners to be on the cutting edge of innovation,” said Pac-12 Executive Associate Commissioner of Football Operations Merton Hanks. “We look forward to delivering the best possible broadcasts that give fans the insights and access that makes watching Pac-12 football even more enjoyable.”
Hanks told ESPN that getting certain coaches on the air during games will be a work in progress.
"A guy like Chip Kelly, he's seen this in part from his time in the NFL, he understands that it's important to be able to do that," Hanks said. "And he's a playcaller, obviously, so we're going to have to work with our playcallers. I think [USC head coach] Lincoln Riley's another great example. We'll work with those guys during the game. There may be certain aspects of availability that we will be able to pull off consistently, but the mere fact the coaches are supportive of the concept and are willing to work with us on that is a significant plus."
The Pac-12 season kicks off with San Jose State at USC on Aug. 26.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.