Ron Rivera
FILE - In a Sunday, July 28, 2019 file photo, Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona, left, has words with pitcherTrevor Bauer, right, as Bauer is taken out in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. Francona said Sunday, July 5, 2020 that he believes the Indians need to change their name. “I think it's time to move forward,” Francona said Sunday. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)
Indians manager Francona favors nickname change for club

By Tom Withers Jul. 05, 2020 01:48 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 2, 2020, file photo, Washington Redskins head coach Ron Rivera holds up a helmet during a news conference at the team's NFL football training facility in Ashburn, Va. The Washington Redskins are undergoing what the team calls a “thorough review” of the nickname. In a statement released Friday, July 3, 2020, the team says it has been talking to the NFL for weeks about the subject. Owner Dan Snyder says the process will include input from alumni, sponsors, the league, community and members of the organization. FedEx on Thursday called for the team to change its name, and Nike appeared to remove all Redskins gear from its online store. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Redskins to have 'thorough review' of name amid race debate

By Stephen Whyno Jul. 03, 2020 11:45 AM EDT

Fewer preseason games is another challenge for NFL coaches

By Rob Maaddi Jul. 02, 2020 07:18 PM EDT
Fewer preseason games following an offseason without on-field workouts creates more challenges for new coaches, players who changed teams and rookies. ...

In this image made from video, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy speaks on a Zoom call Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The biggest takeaway following the NFL's two-day quarterback coaching summit aimed at improving the league's diversity, is that there's no shortage of qualified minority candidates waiting for opportunities to be head coaches and coordinators.(Rob Maaddi/Zoom via AP)
NFL's coaching summit highlights minority candidates

By Rob Maaddi Jun. 26, 2020 02:29 PM EDT

FILE - These are 2020 file photos showing District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, left, and Washington Redskins NFL football team owner Dan Snyder, right. The recent national conversation about racism has renewed calls for the Washington Redskins to change their name. D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser called the name an "obstacle" to the team building its stadium and headquarters in the District, but owner Dan Snyder over the years has shown no indications he'd consider it. (AP Photo/File)
Debate on racism renews calls for Redskins to change name

By Stephen Whyno Jun. 17, 2020 05:36 PM EDT

FILE - In this May 19, 2020, file photo, Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL football quarterback Tom Brady runs across the field at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Fla. With coaches and players scattered and team facilities shut by the NFL because of the COVID-19 pandemic, video meetings helped the league act as if business continued as usual. “Walking through and practicing is the best way to teach,” Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said. “So those are valuable reps missed. I don’t know how we’ll make them up. Hopefully we’ll get some extra time in practice in camp; a few extra days would help." (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times via AP, File)
Coaches, players make best of NFL's 1st virtual offseason

By Teresa M. Walker Jun. 16, 2020 12:57 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. More than half of the 32 NFL teams will not have their coaching staffs back at their facilities Friday. June 5, 2020, even though the league has approved such returns where local governments allow them. Clubs with coaches in place at their training complexes were Super Bowl champion Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Denver, Dallas and Atlanta.(AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
More than half of NFL coaching staffs not at team facilities

By Barry Wilner Jun. 05, 2020 03:04 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2020, file photo, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan speaks during a news conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Shanahan praised former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick Thursday, June 4, for trying to bring the issue of racism and police brutality to light with his protests during the national anthem in the 2016 season. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Shanahan: Kaepernick deserves admiration for taking stand

By Josh Dubow Jun. 04, 2020 06:08 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 17, 2017, file photo, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell answers questions during a season ticket member fan forum before practice at the Cleveland Browns NFL football team's training camp facility in Berea, Ohio. Several NFL teams are reopening their training facilities Tuesday, May 19, 2020, while many are prohibited by government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. Commissioner Roger Goodell gave the 32 clubs the go-ahead for limited reopenings as long as state and local municipalities allow them. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)
NFL owners make changes to enhance diversity on many levels

By Barry Wilner May. 19, 2020 02:54 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2008, file photo, Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy watches from the sideline as his team plays the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Cleveland. Dungy is the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl and has been a strong advocate of more diversity in coaching hires. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File)
AP sources: Expanded Rooney Rule to require more interviews

By Barry Wilner May. 18, 2020 06:06 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2020, file photo, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow throws a pass against Clemson during the second half of the NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game in New Orleans. No. 1 overall pick Burrow and the rest of the rookie class will begin preparing for their first seasons in the NFL at home instead of at minicamps and team facilities this month. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Virtual offseason impacts rookies, teams preparing for 2020

By Josh Dubow May. 01, 2020 12:47 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 11, 2018, file photo, Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams is shown on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in Tampa, Fla. After sitting out last season in a dispute in Washington, seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams is excited to start over in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Trent Williams feels rejuvenated by trade to 49ers

By Josh Dubow Apr. 30, 2020 05:30 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 15, 2019, file photo, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla. Pederson enters his fifth season with a Super Bowl victory, two NFC East crowns and three straight playoff appearances on his resume. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
NFC East has a new look but success may be slow to achieve

By Rob Maaddi Apr. 30, 2020 02:51 PM EDT

In this still image from video provided by the NFL, Antonio Gandy-Golden is selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round in the NFL football draft Saturday, April 25, 2020. (NFL via AP)
Redskins add Young, trade Williams, pick successor at draft

By Stephen Whyno Apr. 25, 2020 07:27 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2018, file photo, Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) sets up to block in front of Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) during the second half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla. The San Francisco 49ers have acquired the seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle from the Redskins. Two people familiar with the deal said Saturday, April 25, 2020, the Niners will send a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft and a 2021 third-rounder to acquire Williams. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
49ers acquire Pro Bowl LT Trent Williams from Redskins

By Josh Dubow Apr. 25, 2020 01:16 PM EDT

Memphis wide receiver Antonio Gibson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Redskins draft Memphis playmaker Gibson with 66th pick

By Stephen Whyno Apr. 24, 2020 10:05 PM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 28, 2019, file photo, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Beane made a bold move in the offseason by giving up four draft picks _ including the 22nd overall _ to acquire Stefon Diggs in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings. The Bills are left with seven picks over the final six rounds, starting with No. 54. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
Beane dismisses buzz of Bills being AFC East front-runners

By John Wawrow Apr. 24, 2020 12:21 AM EDT

FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2020, file photo, Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown listens during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Brown is a likely first-round pick in the NFL draft Thursday, April 23, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
Panthers choose Brown over Simmons with No. 7 overall pick

By Steve Reed Apr. 23, 2020 09:26 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 28, 2019, file photo, Ohio State defensive end Chase Young follows a play during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson in Glendale, Ariz. The Washington Redskins selected Young with the second pick in the NFL football draft Thursday, April 23, 2020. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
'Best player in this draft:' Redskins pick Young 2nd overall

By Stephen Whyno Apr. 23, 2020 08:40 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 24, 2018, file photo, Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) catches a pass for a touchdown as Auburn defensive back Roger McCreary (17) and linebacker Cameron Latu (20) defend during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Tuscaloosa, Ala. This year’s NFL draft features a superb group of wide receivers, including Ruggs, who are expected to make immediate impacts in the NFL. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)
Deep receiver class faces high hopes for immediate impact

By Arnie Stapleton Apr. 19, 2020 06:07 PM EDT