The NFL has informed all teams of the required protocols for interviewing head coaching candidates during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It lays out what the Lions can, and cannot do in their quest to permanently replace Matt Patricia.
One of the key points from the memo deals with the interview process for currently employed coaches. There will be no in-person interviews allowed until the current employer’s season is done, whether it’s the regular season or the playoffs. There will be no in-person interviews permitted with anyone before January 4th.
That puts a crimp in the hiring process for candidates like Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, Colts DC Matt Eberflus or Giants OC Jason Garrett, all of whom would be employed by playoff teams if the season ended today.
Masks will be mandatory for all in-person interactions, as well as enforced social distancing. The league also strongly recommends a series of shorter interviews than one long one with a candidate.
This memo went out to NFL teams on coach/GM interviews for the 2021 hiring cycle. Key points …
• Candidates' season must be done for in-person interviews.
• No in-person interviews period until 1/4.
• Masks/social distancing required.
• Recommended = interview be shorter. pic.twitter.com/s5ivczdZlJ— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 7, 2020