Coaches on the field -- and in the white stripe that borders the field -- became one of the dominant story lines in 2013, with multiple incidents and fines and the still-possible loss or downgrade of a draft pick for the Steelers.
But coaches still continue to stray onto the field from time to time. During the divisional round, photos emerged of Seahawks coach Pete Carroll on the field, as well as 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh.
But since both Carroll and Harbaugh were behind the play, the league doesn’t see it as a problem.
“The practical application of the rule is that unless there is interference with a player or game official, it is not going to be called,” an NFL spokesman told PFT via email on Monday. “The officials will not turn and look for this behind the play.”
The problem arises only when there’s interference with the official or the play on the field. So look for this kind of stuff to continue, and look for it to become an issue only if/when a coach wanders toward the edge of the field and nearly trips a guy returning a kickoff.