It’s an unfortunately relevant topic for the NFL this time of year. With COVID-19 outbreaks popping up all over the league, it’s also a good question that was asked of Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
In his Wednesday press conference, Campbell was asked if he had a plan put together in case he couldn’t perform as head coach due to COVID-19. The Cleveland Browns had to rely on a contingency plan like that for Monday night’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, and other coaches have also tested positive lately, including Jets rookie head coach Robert Saleh.
“We’ve got pretty much everything set up as to who is next in line,” Campbell said. “Certainly, (Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs) Duce (Staley) would take my role over if it was me. Play-calling, (Offensive Coordinator Anthony Lynn) A-Lynn would handle it and defensively (Senior Defensive Assistant) Coach (Dom) Capers would and so on.
And hopefully, if you get into the third level of that, then we’ve got plans for that, too. My assistant (Chief of Staff/Head Coach Administration) Kevin Anderson is ready to call the whole game if needed to. That happened last year, but yeah, we’re prepared if it comes to that.”
Staley makes obvious sense as the team’s assistant head coach. That’s a role Campbell held for several years with the New Orleans Saints to help prepare him to take over a team. Having Anthony Lynn resume playcalling for the offense is an interesting twist. The offense has notably perked up since Campbell took over playcalling from Lynn.
Here’s hoping the contingency plans never need to be implemented and Campbell and his staff can finish the year healthy. The head coach notes that even though all the staff is vaccinated and boostered, they’re still taking precautions,
“We’re trying to be as smart as possible. We still congregate, but we’re trying to be mindful, staying away from each other. We’re still masking up even though technically it’s not required because we’re all vaccinated and boostered.”
