It's unclear who will coach the Detroit Lions this weekend with Darrell Bevell, among others on the staff, dealing with COVID-19 issues. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Darrell Bevell, several Lions coaches away from team due to COVID-19 issues

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/23/20

The Detroit Lions are in quite the predicament ahead of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and things aren't looking good.

Several Lions coaches, including interim head coach Darrell Bevell, have been deemed close contacts due to contact tracing following two positive COVID-19 tests on Tuesday and will remain away from the team until further notice, the team said in a statement Wednesday.

We anticipate conducting an outdoor practice this afternoon and our players and coaches will continue to meet virtually this morning.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 23, 2020

The Lions' two positive cases from Tuesday were from practice squad linebacker Anthony Pittman and an unnamed staff member. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says a number of defensive coaches were deemed close contacts. It's unclear if any offensive coaches are sidelined.

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

According to the Detroit Free Press, one defensive assistant violated league protocols by not wearing his contact tracing device at all times while another held an in-person meeting in his office. If both are found guilty, the Lions and their coaches could be fined for violating protocols.

Detroit is still conducting contact tracing and it's unclear how many coaches will be available for Saturday's game.

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