The NFL is taking yet another step toward getting back to a sense of normal. In a memo released Thursday, the league announced that coaching staffs may be allowed back to team facilities starting on Friday, June 5.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media shared the news Thursday morning.
Details about the NFL memo allowing coaches back
Rapoport shared some details. This announcement is only valid for teams that have gained permission from state and local governments to reopen their facilities. This new order allows a total of up to 100 people in team facilities, “subject again to state and local regulation and implementation of the protocols developed under the leadership of Dr. Sills.”
Furthermore, per the memo: “Coaches and other football staff, particularly those who may be in a higher risk category or who have concerns about their own health conditions, are expected to speak with the club medical staff or personal physician about any special precautions or other accommodations that may be appropriate for their particular circumstances.”
Finally, the league says it will implement a COVID-19 testing program for each team, working with its medical staff.
NFL training camps still expected to start on time
This timeline facilitates what the league hopes will lead to training camps starting on time, in mid-July. This has been reported as the expectation for the past month-plus.
The difference this year is that teams are not allowed to hold training camp anywhere except at their own facilities. This, of course, is due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Though coaches are being allowed back to team facilities starting Friday, players likely will not be back until camp begins.
NFL season is expected to be a full go, on time
Assuming everything goes according to plan during training camp and the preseason, the NFL is operating under the assumption that the season will go off without a hitch, on time.
In fact, the league is preparing for fans to be in attendance. Whether that is realistic remains to be seen.