Seventeen Redskins coaches signed a letter today opposing the legal filing from the National Football Coaches Association yesterday siding with the players in their antitrust lawsuit against the league. “The Washington Redskins coaching staff has not given its backing to the brief filed with the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of the National Football League Coaches Association. … We stand united with our ownership and the brief does not reflect our thoughts on the matter. We, like everyone else, are hopeful that we can return to playing football. We look forward to a new CBA and welcoming back our players as soon as possible.”
By urging a new CBA, the coaches are suggesting the players union’s decertification is not legitimate or they should recertify. Only a union can negotiate a CBA. The amicus brief was notable because it appeared to place the coaches on the side of the players and against the league. It is unclear precisely how the Redskins letter came together, but it was verified by the team’s public relations official, Tony Wyllie. He said every team assistant coach signed, but head coach Mike Shanahan did not because he is part of management.
