Coach Will Healy on how Charlotte 49ers football team is dealing with coronavirus disruption

On a day when he would have normally been preparing for Saturday’s now-canceled Green-White spring game, Charlotte 49ers football coach Will Healy is instead home with his wife Emily and their two young sons.

That’s the reality of the world now, as concerns over the coronavirus continue to deepen.

The 49ers had finished the ninth of their 15 scheduled spring practices on March 12, when they were informed they’d have to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healy spoke with the Observer’s David Scott on Friday morning about the impact the forced time off is having on the 49ers program (answers have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity):

Where are the players now?

“I’d say it’s about 75-25 (percent) of guys going home to those who live in off-campus apartments and are staying there. We’ve got a lot of players who live around here, so there’s not too many who are too far off.”

What’s your priority with them?

“The biggest deal is keeping track of them academically. They need structure and we’ve created that. We’ve split the entire roster so that everyone on staff has four players, and they’re talking to them about their academics. Making sure they’re on top of it if they have something for English that’s due Monday, or math on Wednesday or an online test on Thursday. We’re sending texts to make sure they’re up on that. At the end of the day, we’re held responsible for how they do academically.

“We can’t make it mandatory that they’re lifting or working out, but we can make sure they’re handling their academics. We’re making sure we don’t blow this thing out of proportion too early. We’re not trying to win the Super Bowl tomorrow. Try to enjoy your time away; rejuvenate, recharge. But make sure you’re keeping the culture piece in place.”

What kind of impact is this having on recruiting?

“It’s actually a really good recruiting time. We can get caught up. Actually we might end up having time to evaluate 2028s (prospects). But we know what our board looks like. We missed out on a couple of official visits and junior days. We’ve got to find a way to make up for those in time.”

Any other things you’re doing to stay engaged with players?

“We’ve thought about some things. (Receiver) Vic Tucker loves watching (the Atlanta Falcons’) Julio Jones. So Vic, your assignment is to watch Julio’s stuff. See what you can get from that. So there are projects like that to keep them lighthearted.”

What about your communication with assistant coaches?

“They’re home and only come into the office quickly if something needs to be picked up. Otherwise, we’re having staff meetings on the phone. I’ll probably start doing that at regular times, maybe Sundays and Wednesdays, pretty soon.”

What happens if things continue to get pushed back and things like summer workouts and even fall camp is delayed?

“I haven’t let my mind wander that far right now. If (delays) happen, we’ll have a plan, day-by-day. But right now I’m more concerned with making sure the relationship perspective doesn’t fall off, to make sure parents understand what’s happening and to continue to recruit our own.

“Whether it’s April or August, we’ll figure it out. I’d love for them to be in the weight room with (director of football performance Chris Laskowski) for summer workouts, but we’ll just have to wait it out for that.”

Are there other coaches you talk to for advice or simply chat with?

“(Clemson’s) Dabo (Swinney), (North Carolina’s) Mack Brown, (Nebraska’s) Scott Frost, usually. You know, Dabo and Mack were on spring break when it happened. Their staff and players were already gone. So it’s a little bit different for everyone.”