The Cleveland Browns will play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night in an AFC wild-card game without the services of Head Coach Kevin Stefanski who tested positive for COVID-19 during the week.
NFL rules prohibit any coaches from taking part remotely during games. So instead of calling plays from the sidelines, or virtually, Stefanski will be at home watching the Browns first playoff game since 2003 like you and me.
The NFL’s policy calls for a cease in outside communication prior to kickoff and through the game’s conclusion. No exceptions. Harsh penalties exist for those who break the rules...like the Browns in 2015.
But over the past 12 months we have learned to be nimble and flexible.
In 2020, the NFL conducted an entire NFL draft, virtually. ZOOM meetings replaced organized team activities. Broadcasters continue to call games from “home studios”. And week after week, calls are radioed in from booths high above the playing surface in the NFL.
In the interest of competition and safety, let Kevin Stefanski – a man who guided the Browns to an 11-5 record – call plays virtually.