The NFL’s timing puzzle: How assistants balance head-coaching interviews and playoff prep
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- NFL assistant coaches currently in the playoffs are juggling virtual head-coaching interviews alongside intense playoff preparations, with some candidates receiving up to five interview requests amid eight coaching vacancies league-wide.
- Virtual interviews, typically lasting one to two hours, serve as introductory conversations focused on core coaching philosophies and authenticity rather than rehearsed presentations, with in-person interviews delayed until after the conference championship games.
- Coaches like Sean McVay emphasize the importance of being genuine and showing vulnerability during interviews, while also advising candidates to prioritize playoff game planning over interview discussions during critical preparation times.
- Candidates often prepare detailed coaching philosophy materials and staffing plans in the offseason, but many rely on conversational interviews during the postseason, acknowledging that winning games significantly enhances their candidacy.
- Recent NFL
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