Lions Coaching Staff May Look Different Saturday

The Detroit Lions' coaching staff may look entirely different this Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The team announced on Tuesday that the practice facility was forced to close and the preparations took place remotely after a player and a staffer tested positive for the coronavirus.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Lions interim head coach Darrell Bevell and many of the team's defensive coaches have been identified as close contacts.

"The #Lions COVID-19 positives from yesterday left their coaching staff in a difficult situation. Almost all of their defensive staff members are considered close contacts, while interim coach Darrell Bevell is, too. DET is still determining who can coach this Saturday," Rapoport tweeted.

Sources: The #Lions COVID-19 positives from yesterday left their coaching staff in a difficult situation. Almost all of their defensive staff members are considered close contacts, while interim coach Darrell Bevell is, too. DET is still determining who can coach this Saturday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2020

There is a strong likelihood that Detroit's coaching staff will look different when Tom Brady and the talented Buccaneers offense visit Ford Field this Saturday.

The league may resort to postponing or cancelling the game, but are still working with Detroit to determine the best possible resolution to the issue presented.

An official statement from the Lions was released Wednesday morning.

“This morning, our COVID-19 test results yielded no new positive tests. As a result of the contact tracing process, several coaches will remain away from the team facility until further notice. We anticipate conducting an outdoor practice this afternoon and our players and coaches will continue to meet virtually this morning.”

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