Last month’s Sunday Ticket trial included a significant revelation: head coaches will now be required to submit to an interview during each game.
New Procedure Clarified:
- The NFL has partially clarified this new requirement.
- A league spokesperson stated, “When requested by the televising network, both clubs must make available the head coach or either offensive or defensive coordinator for an in-game, on-camera interview at the end of quarter breaks or at halftime.”
Testimony from NFL V.P. Cathy Yancy:
- During the trial, NFL V.P. Cathy Yancy testified, “All of the clubs are going to have to make a head coach available live for an interview during the game.”
- She added, “Each team has to provide a head coach; one in the first half, one in the second half. And that’s for all teams, and it’s available for all TV partners.”
Impact on Coaches and Coordinators:
- Some coaches prefer to keep their coordinators out of the spotlight to prevent head-coaching interest from other teams.
- Others are more willing to let their coordinators be visible during games.
Strategic Choices for Coaches:
- Given that it’s an opportunity for head coaches to avoid interviews, more may allow their coordinators to take the spotlight.
- This new requirement may lead to a strategic balance between head coaches and coordinators in handling media interactions.
Conclusion:
- The new rule aims to increase transparency and engagement between teams and fans.
- It will be interesting to see how different teams adapt to this requirement and how it impacts the dynamics on the sidelines.
In essence, the new NFL policy mandates more media interaction during games, potentially altering how coaches and coordinators are perceived by the public and other teams.