Report: Multiple NFL assistants refusing COVID-19 vaccine

Assistant coaches from at least four NFL teams are refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Those assistants will lose their Tier 1 status if they don't receive the first dose by next week, Pelissero adds. As a result, they'd be banned from the practice field, meeting rooms, and other direct interactions with players.

Prior to last season, the league divided club personnel into three tiers based on roles, placing staff with direct access to players in Tier 1. Individuals in close proximity to players are in Tier 2, while personnel whose jobs don't require being near players are in Tier 3.

The NFL allows unvaccinated individuals to keep Tier 1/2 status if they provide a valid medical or religious reason, but has advised teams to consider restricting their access. For many coaches, there are two choices as of now: Get vaccinated or spend the season in your office.

- Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 4, 2021

Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, informed clubs in May that players, coaches, and staff members who are willing to receive the vaccine must get the first dose no later than June 13 to have full vaccination status by the start of training camp in July, according to Pelissero.

The vaccination isn't mandatory for players.

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