NFL extends virtual offseason, moves to next phase of gradual reopening

The NFL announced via a memo on Thursday that the league is extending the work-from-home window, which was scheduled to end on Friday, by two weeks. That doesn't necessarily mean the continuation of current conditions throughout the league, though. NFL coaching staffs could be back in team facilities as soon as next week.

The league is working with state and local authorities in its plan to move forward.

That means virtual offseason instruction will continue, but coaches could conduct those sessions from team facilities in areas where it is permitted.

Another note within the memo states that NFL clubs can begin reopening ticket offices, retail shops, and other customer-facing facilities, so long as the operations comply with local regulations.

Commissioner Roger Goodell's full memo is below.

As discussed during our recent League Meetings, we are continuing the phased process of reopening club facilities that began on May 19. The key principles underlying the reopening plans have been (i) that reopening was permitted by state and local regulations; (ii) that reopening was conducted consistent with the protocols developed under the leadership of Dr. Sills and distributed with my memorandum of May 6, 2020; and (iii) that reopening is conducted in a manner that is competitively fair.

To date, clubs that have reopened their facilities have done so in a safe and effective way and reopening has not included coaching staffs to ensure competitive equity. In the meantime, almost all states with NFL clubs have either relaxed limitations on business activities and related -stay-at-home" orders or have announced plans to do so in the near future.

Beginning next Monday, June 1, clubs may reopen ticket offices, retail shops and other customer-facing facilities as long as the operation of such facilities fully complies with state and local regulation. Employees of these operations will apply against the current maximum number of employees (no more than 50 percent of staff in the facility, not to exceed 75 persons, which is a total for all club locations). Clubs may also continue to provide treatment and rehabilitation to players who were receiving treatment as of March 25, immediately prior to the date on which facilities were closed.

Clubs must continue to advise Dr. Sills of any incidence of Covid-19 in the facility and Brendon Plack of any changes in government regulations that may apply to club operations.

We expect that next week clubs will be permitted to include members of their coaching staffs among the employees permitted to resume work in the club facility. We are actively working with Governors and other state and local authorities in those states

that have not yet announced definitive plans and will confirm the precise date on which coaches can return to the facility as soon as possible.

We are also continuing to work with the NFLPA on developing protocols that will allow at least some players to return to your facilities on a limited basis prior to the conclusion of the off-season program. We expect to begin sharing agreed-upon protocols and additional information very soon.