According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, teams led by new head coaches can begin voluntary offseason workouts on Monday.
The Chip Kelly-led Eagles will get right to work on Monday. And on Tuesday, the Bears, who hired Mark Trestman in January, will begin their organized training, too, as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune noted.
Per the CBA, offseason workouts are divided into three “phases.” The first two weeks, or “Phase One,” is limited to fitness and rehabiliation work, with only strength and conditioning coaches allowed to offer on-field instruction. According to the CBA, “no other coaches shall be allowed on the field or to otherwise participate in or observe activities.” Quarterbacks can throw to uncovered receivers, and no helmets can be worn; that’s the extent of the on-field play that can occur.
Yes, that’s not especially exciting. But look at it this way: these workouts are a sign that the 2013 NFL season is inching ever closer.