Matt Rhule and the Carolina Panthers will finally begin OTAs next week ... online
The Panthers and four other teams will begin their offseason workout programs virtually next week.
The NFL had originally postponed the start of offseason training programs in order to help limit the spread of COVID-19, and all team facilities were closed March 24. Teams like Carolina that have new head coaches this season were scheduled to begin their programs April 6. That had been “delayed indefinitely” while the NFL and NFLPA worked on a deal for those programs to begin virtually, which was finalized Monday.
Matt Rhule and his new staff finally get an opportunity to work with players and begin implementing their system. One of the major disadvantages of the restrictions in terms of team building is the new coaches not being able to learn who the players are as well.
“I like coaching players, getting to know players ... that being said, I think you know when you see what’s happening around the country, it kind of puts into perspective like, ‘Hey Matt stop, don’t feel sorry for yourself,’ ” Rhule said last week. “If at some point we’re allowed to have connections with our players, if we can be the best that we possibly can be then we become a team that’s stronger. Being a first-year head coach, this is obviously not ideal, but it is what it is and I try not to complain. I miss it, I would like to be around the guys, but at the end of the day, I want them to do what’s right for, not just them, but for them and their families and for me.”
Teams are not required to hold offseason programs, nor are players mandated to partake. Teams with returning head coaches can begin April 27 and all must end by May 15. At that point, the league will touch base on if things can shift back to normal.
There are no set requirements when it comes to what teams may do, the video platforms they can use or exact ways to teach, but there are limits on how long classroom and strength-and-conditioning sessions can take place virtually. Players will be compensated for workout equipment or monitoring devices up to $1,500 per player by teams if needed. Players will be compensated for participation and scheduled bonuses will be worked out. No on-field practices can take place unless all 32 team facilities are permitted by local, state, and federal government regulations to re-open.
If things continue virtually, all offseason training will have to conclude by June 26.
The changes to offseason training are just the latest changes made by the NFL this offseason. The NFL draft next week will also take place virtually with commissioner Roger Goodell announcing picks from his house. Pro days and other pre-draft visits were unable to take place as scheduled. Many free agent physicals have yet to take place.
What this virtual training will do for the Panthers is give them an opportunity for the entire team to get to know each other better and begin gaining experience working together. Bringing in players like Teddy Bridgewater, Robby Anderson and P.J. Walker, who are familiar with members of the coaching staff, will make this easier. They’ll be able to interact and start team building even if they won’t all be in the same building, let alone the same state.
Carolina’s ability to take advantage of this time will play a large role in how quickly they will be able to get rolling come time for the 2020 season to kick off.
This story was originally published April 14, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
