The NFLPA "will provide free office space and staff
assistance" to the NFL Coaches Association, according to
Athelia Knight of the WASHINGTON POST. NFLPA Exec Dir Gene
Upshaw: "We feel this is a perfect match for the players and
coaches." The NFLCA is comprised of about 400 assistant
coaches, strength coaches and "some head coaches." While
Upshaw emphasized that the NFLCA "is not a union," he added,
"They have some needs that haven't been addressed over the
years (and) all we want to do is assist them." NFLCA Exec
Dir Larry Kennan: "This gives us great credibility." Among
the "major issues" Kennan cited are increased health care
benefits and lowering the retirement age from 65. NFL
VP/Communications Greg Aiello: "We are sensitive to the
concerns of the coaches and, along with their club
employers, have taken steps to address them. We are
confident that we will be able to work through other issues
as they arise" (WASHINGTON POST, 9/16). Kennan called the
new relationship with the NFLPA "a monumental day" for the
NFLCA. Kennan: "We've been around for three years, but
progress has been slower than we had hoped." Upshaw: "We
represent players, and now more players are becoming
coaches. It means these 400 people have a place to go when
they have questions" (Thomas George, N.Y. TIMES, 9/16).
