The NFL's new rules for coaches' in-game media availability will put Andy Reid's interview skills to the test.
Longtime Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is preparing to fulfill the NFL's new requirements for coaches' in-game media availability, beginning with the team's home opener against the Baltimore Ravens on September 5th. The league's recent rule changes grant broadcasting networks limited access to locker rooms and mandate sideline reporter interviews during games.
Reid, known for his gruff and unfiltered press conferences, has expressed reservations about his abilities as an on-field interviewee. "I'm not very good during games on interviews. I won't be very fancy with these interviews," he told reporters last Friday. "I don't know... I've got to do it. I'm going to do it. I'm an NFL team guy, so I'm going to do it. But don't expect much."
Chiefs Coach Andy Reid to Face In-Game Media Scrutiny
The NFL's decision to implement these new rules stems from an ongoing lawsuit over broadcasting rights. According to court documents, the league's vice president of broadcasting rights, Cathy Yancy, testified that coaches must participate in live interviews during games.
"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. "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."
Chiefs Coach Andy Reid to Face In-Game Media Scrutiny
The NFL later clarified that coaches must grant interviews either at the end of quarter breaks or halftime, but they can elect to send either the offensive or defensive coordinator instead.
NBC Coordinating Producer Rob Hyland provided further insight into the new guidelines, announcing that networks will have access to home team players in full uniform before and after games.
Reid's Chiefs are aiming to win their third consecutive Super Bowl title in 2023, a feat that would make them the first team in NFL history to achieve such a three-peat. However, before he can hoist another Lombardi Trophy, Reid must navigate the uncharted waters of on-field interviews.
With 258 career wins, Reid ranks fourth on the NFL's all-time coaching wins list. He enters the 2023 season with a 241-138-1 record, including 15-5 in the playoffs.
The Chiefs' first in-game media interview under the new rules will take place during the team's Week 1 matchup against the Ravens. It remains to be seen whether Reid will rise to the occasion or stumble through his on-field commentary.
One thing is for sure: football fans will be tuning in to watch and hear how the typically curt and private coach handles the added media scrutiny.
