How Matt Rhule is leading his first offseason program

[Sir Purr]

Per NFL rules, rookies can't participate in the bigger virtual offseason program until May 11. But Rhule was impressed with the way the 2020 class was attentive and retained information throughout the weekend.


"They paid attention, they were on time, and they worked hard at it," Rhule said. "So they'll get integrated next Monday, but we tried to give them a great boost — three days of a lot of information so that when they show up on the 11th, they're pretty far ahead."


While everyone understands why the offseason program must be virtual, Rhule admitted it's difficult trying to get to know players on the roster when they can only interact through video. But he also feels like building relationships isn't something he should force, so he's trying to take advantage of little moments that pop up.


"Wishing people happy birthday, always being available for guys," Rhule said. "Just trying to be the same guy every day, be who you are, knowing that opportunities are going to come to get to know guys better and better.


"People respect someone who's consistent, so if I can be consistent through this really hard period, hopefully there will be a lot of trust as we get back together at some point."


And much like during the draft, Rhule has found that a silver lining of conducting a virtual offseason program from his home office is a unique, shared experience with family.


"Usually once a week, I try to talk in a longer team meeting on something I believe, and my son usually comes in and listens to it," Rhule said.


"I think all of us right now, while we miss getting out of the house and going to work and all the different things that we love, I know we also all enjoy being together with our families. So yeah, I'm trying to enjoy as much of that as I possibly can right now."