More than half of the 32 NFL teams did not have their coaching staffs back at their facilities Friday even though the league approved such returns where local governments allow them.
Clubs with coaches in place at their training complexes were Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Denver, Dallas and Atlanta. While entire staffs had not yet returned in many cities, head coaches such as the Steelers’ Mike Tomlin, the Falcons’ Dan Quinn, the Broncos’ Vic Fangio and the Browns Kevin Stefanski were on hand.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien was holding discussions on when his staff would begin joining him at the team facility. New Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and some of his assistants were at their team complex.
A majority of the Bengals coaching staff returned to the facility today, including coach Zac Taylor, on the first day the NFL has allowed. Some coaches were traveling back to Cincinnati.
NFL teams have been performing all their offseason duties virtually since their facilities were closed by commissioner Roger Goodell in late March because of the coronavirus pandemic. The league is taking a slow approach to reopening those team buildings, with the latest step allowing coaching staffs to return. Only players currently rehabilitating injuries are allowed at the complexes.
Many clubs say they plan to have coaches in place next week.
Teams confirming their coaches weren’t in their facilities Friday are the Rams, Raiders, Cardinals, Saints, Chargers, Titans, Dolphins and Colts. Neither the 49ers nor Raiders are allowed back in their facilities in the Bay Area, and with the Raiders moving to Las Vegas, their complex in Henderson, Nevada, is not quite ready for them.
The Saints are working up protocols to allow coaches the choice of working from team offices or home depending on individual circumstances.
