Chiefs’ coaches can return to facilities starting Friday, but they may wait awhile
The NFL is taking another step toward reopening amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday advised all 32 NFL teams, via memorandum obtained by The Star, that coaching staffs will be allowed to return to their respective teams’ facilities starting Friday.
The league’s guidance, which now permits up to 100 people at a complex like that of the Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs, further stipulated that a team must also have “necessary permission from state and local governments to reopen its facilities.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the news.
An NFL spokesman told The Star in an email exchange that the league anticipates the San Francisco 49ers will be the only team that’s unable to immediately return to its training facility.
“The team (San Francisco) is aware and supportive of this plan and has been in communication with its local authorities to obtain all necessary permissions when available,” the league spokesman said.
The Chiefs are likely to wait a bit longer before allowing any of their coaches return to 1 Arrowhead Drive. The Chiefs’ training facility is based in Jackson County, which recently amended its Phase 2 reopening plan to align with Missouri Gov. Mike Parson’s extension to June 15.
Most players are still not allowed at the Arrowhead Stadium training facility. The lone exception, per league mandates, is made for players who are receiving medical treatment as part of their respective rehabilitation work.
Goodell’s Thursday memorandum also addressed the implementation of a plan for testing before any player is allowed to return to a training facility.
“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,” Goodell said in the memorandum to NFL teams. “In addition, we will work with club medical staffs to implement a program of (COVID-19) testing for the coaching staff and other football personnel prior to players returning to club facilities.”
The Chiefs’ training facility has been closed since mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Head coach Andy Reid and his staff have been working from home.
