In a significant shift for the 2024 NFL season, head coaches will now be required to participate in in-game sideline interviews. This mandate marks a departure from previous practices, where such interviews were not compulsory.
The announcement was made by NFL Vice President of Broadcast Rights, Policies, and Compliance, Cathy Yancy.
Yancy outlined that each team must make their head coach available for a live interview during both the first and second halves of the game. This new rule applies to all teams and will be accessible to all TV partners.
“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.”
The reasoning behind this change is to enhance the television broadcast experience. Yancy emphasized the benefits for loyal fans in particular.
“It’s good for the broadcast, it’s good for the fans. Fans want to be closer to the game, they want to get to know the players and the coaches,” Yancy said.
“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.”
Given the substantial investments networks make to secure broadcasting rights for NFL games, the inclusion of in-game interviews, even if they occasionally offer limited new insights, is seen as a valuable addition to the viewing experience.
Having said that, we all know most coaches aren’t too thrilled with the news.
What are your thoughts on the new policy? … Do you like it? Or do you think it’s a waste of time since coaches never say anything interesting during those interviews anyways???