‘Literally nobody wants this,’ complain NFL fans as league announce broadcast change affecting all telecasts next season

NFL coaches will no longer be able to dodge the TV cameras on their way to the locker room thanks to a radical shake-up.

The league has announced new rules on in-game interviews during broadcasts for the 2024 NFL season.

Getty

Getty

Sideline reporters can currently approach coaches at the end of the first half or the beginning of the third quarter for a quick interview.

Neither of these options is a requirement and previously a coach could choose to ignore the request.

But that is all set to change ahead of the upcoming campaign, which begins on September 5.

Cathy Yancy, the NFL’s VP of broadcasting rights, policies, and compliance, recently told the Sunday Ticket trial the league was adopting a “new policy.”

“This year, we have a new policy going into effect where all of the clubs are going to have to make a head coach available live for an interview during the game,” Yancy said, per Mike Florio of NBC Sports .

“Each team has to provide a head coach – one in the first half, one in the second half.

“And that’s for all teams, and it’s available for all TV partners.”

“Literally nobody wants this,” wrote one unimpressed fan on X in response.

“I really don’t get anything from coach and player interviews during the game,” said another.

“The halftime 10-second blurbs are too intrusive to me.. just let them coach and then tear them down after the game,” complained a third.

“Who wants this? Nobody’s asking for it lol. Plus coaches hate it,” added a fourth,

“I’d watch if Belichick did all the interviews,” countered a fifth.

Yancy argues the move will be “good for fans” and will get them “closer” to the game.

“It’s good for the broadcast, it’s good for the fans,” she continued.

“Fans want to be closer to the game, they want to get to know the players and the coaches.

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“It’s very important that they kind of have that relationship, and they want to hear. It’s really good sound.

“If you’re a football fan or even if you’re a casual fan, it’s great to hear from the coaches. There’s a lot of emotion.”

Teams have already returned to training camp ahead of the new season beginning in just 5 weeks.

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens begin the 2024 campaign on Thursday, September 5 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Coaches Andy Reid and John Harbaugh will therefore be the first coaches required to head in front of the camera under the new regulations.